Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2023 US Open Cup

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Young New England Revolution edges Hartford Athletic, 2-1

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David Romney of the New England Revolution celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against the Hartford Athletic in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: New England Revolution
David Romney of the New England Revolution celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against the Hartford Athletic in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: New England Revolution

In a game that would decide which team would be the sole representative of the region left standing in the 2023 US Open Cup, the Revolution proved that they are indeed worthy of their New England moniker, defeating Hartford Athletic 2-1 at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday night. Goals from Justin Rennicks and Dave Romney secured the victory, assuring that the Revolution will play in the Fourth Round for their eighth consecutive Cup in a row.

New England rested several players who have been a key part of their success in the young MLS season, including star Carles Gil and goalkeeper Djordje Petrovich, with Earl Edwards Jr. getting the nod in net instead. Hartford would have to attempt to upset New England without star striker Elvis Amoh, who missed the contest due to an injury.

In the first 10 minutes of the contest, Athletic showed little sign of being intimidated by their first-division opponent. A New England turnover in their half in the seventh minute led to an early chance for Hartford’s Prince Saydee, but his strike deflected off the crossbar.  

Instead, it would be the Revolution who ended up striking first. A header from forward Justin Rennicks in the 12th minute off a well-placed corner kick from Rivera gave the home team an early lead. This goal was Rennick’s second all-time in Cup competition. It was also his first of the 2023 calendar year.

Despite being only 24 years old, six of the Revolution’s starters were younger than Rennick, suddenly casting him into a role as one of the squad’s veteran leaders.

“I try to do my best to talk to the guys and keep them going,” he said. “They’re all so talented, it’s a pleasure to play with them.”

Even after allowing the early goal, Hartford hardly looked out of place playing at an MLS stadium, frequently applying pressure on New England’s defenses. Their best chance for a first-half goal came in the 39th minute when a cross from Saydee was deflected by Edwards Jr. into the center of the goal area. An attempt to clear the ball by New England defender Joshua Bolma bounced off the back of a teammate’s leg and then ricocheted off the post, nearly resulting in a game-tying own goal. The ball fell to Hartford’s Jeciel Cedeno, but he was unable to guide it past New England’s defense.

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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

Hartford continued to press in the second half. In the 52nd minute, a sudden counterattack from Athletic allowed Prince Saydee to slide a quick pass across the goal area to Antoine Hoppenot, who then put a slow shot back across the net to beat a diving Edwards Jr. This goal was Hoppenot’s first of 2023 and comes over 11 years since he scored his first USOC goal for Philadelphia Union in 2012.

In the 56th minute, a shot from outside the box off the foot of Cedeno required a diving save from Edwards, narrowly missing a chance to give Hartford the lead. Several New England giveaways on their side of the field allowed Hartford to control the pace of play for the first 20 minutes of the second half.

Possibly sensing that his team needed a boost, Revolution Coach Bruce Arena made some drastic changes to the lineup in the 71st minute. Four players entered the match, including Revolution mainstays Carles Gil and Brandon Bye, as well as newcomer Dave Romney.

The fresh legs seemed to help New England, and the momentum slowly started to swing their way. In the 76th minute, two of the recent substitutes combined to give the Revolution the 2-1 lead. A Gil cross found the left foot of Romney, who flipped it home past a diving Sanchez to give the former Nashville FC defender his first goal for his new club.

New England turned their attention to holding on to their lead, bringing on established veteran defender Andrew Farrell in the 85th minute to help shore up their defense. This was Farrell’s 15th all-time appearance for the Revs in the Cup, putting him two behind Diego Fagundez for most in club history.

Farrell’s presence proved to be a stabilizing force. While Hartford managed to earn a few late corners and a last-minute freekick outside the box, they failed to capitalize on any of these opportunities, allowing the Revolution to escape with the win.

After the game, Arena was satisfied that his club got the result they needed to advance but took issue with their overall performance.

“I think it was a sloppy performance on our part. The first half, we didn’t play particularly well, and then conceded that goal at the beginning of the second half,” he said. “We got a little bit better, we had a few chances we were sloppy with.”

This 2-1 victory allowed New England to advance to the Fourth Round of the competition, continuing their unbeaten streak in 2023 while playing at home. Their use of several younger rotational players also gave some key members of the squad a chance to get some rest before a big MLS clash with fellow Eastern Conference leaders F.C. Cincinnati on Saturday.

About 30 or so boisterous Hartford Athletic faithful made the 100-mile trek from Connecticut over to Foxborough, making their presence known at cavernous Gillette Stadium. The game officially drew just under 2,000 fans.

While this is now the third US Open Cup in a row that Athletic has crashed out in the Third Round, Hartford goalscorer Antoine Hoppenot was appreciative of the support from their fans following the game.

“It gave us a little bit of extra energy. It was massive,” he said. “It gave us an opportunity to get back into the game and push through the ninety.”

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Minnesota United overcomes Detroit City with trio of second half goals

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Emmanuel Iwe of Minnesota United FC gestures to the crowd in his club's 2023 US Open Cup match against Detroit City FC. Photo: Minnesota United FC
Emmanuel Iwe of Minnesota United FC gestures to the crowd in his club’s 2023 US Open Cup match against Detroit City FC. Photo: Minnesota United FC

Three goals in six minutes helped Minnesota United FC (MLS) erase a one-goal deficit in the second half as the Loons defeated Detroit City FC (USL Championship) 3-1 at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Mich.

Yazeed Matthews scored his second goal of the US Open Cup early in the match to give Le Rouge the lead, but Franco Fragapane, Emmanuel Iwe, and Luis Amarilla all were able to get on the scoresheet to turn the tide in favor of the Major League Soccer side.

Detroit was able to make their statement early in the match in the fifth minute as Matthews and Devon Amoo-Mensah were able to trade passes after intercepting a clearance. This ultimately culminated in a Matthews strike from about 25 yards out. The ball went past a diving Clint Irwin, bounced off the left post, and trickled in toward the opposite side, eerily mimicking the penalty kick goal scored by Maxi Rodriguez last year in this round that brought DCFC the win over the Columbus Crew.

The goal by the home side appeared to wake up the visitors from St. Paul, as they turned up the pressure quickly. The pressure steamed over in the 15th minute as they failed to capitalize on a counter-attack, with the pass to Cameron Dunbar in the box deflecting back off his feet. Oneil Fisher, who had played for the Loons last year (appearing in two of their USOC matches), was able to collect the ball and move toward the line, where Amarilla caught up with him and checked him into the sideline. Words were exchanged involving the referee, Kervin Arriaga, and MNUFC head coach Adrian Heath, ultimately leading to Heath being shown a yellow 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

The remainder of the first half saw both sides trading chances. One set came in the 28th minute, as Fragapane slid the ball forward for Amarilla, but Steinwascher was able to slide in and collect. On the ensuing counter for Detroit, Ben Morris sent the ball wide to Fisher, who pushed a one-time pass into the box where Connor Rutz wasn’t able to get the shot on frame. Arguably the best chance for Minnesota in the first half was in the 38th minute when they had a pair of corners, both of which led to shots on frame only to be blocked.

Minnesota United was able to put their stamp on the match in the second half, pressing the Detroit City back line and testing Steinwascher a multitude of times, forcing him to make five saves in the first 15 minutes. The breakthrough came in the 60th minute as Fragapane received the ball in the box, and laid it off for Dunbar, who passed it back to Fragapane behind the defensive line. Fragapane was able to put the ball in the top shelf to tie the match at 1-1.

From that point, the goals for the Loons came quickly. Just three minutes later in the 63rd, Iwe received the ball off a deflection, took a step to the left, and fired a shot that deflected off a guarding Michael Bryant and over an unsuspecting Steinwascher. Just like that, Minnesota went from down 1-0 to up 2-1, turning the match on its head.

The goals didn’t stop there, though. Again just three minutes later, in the 66th minute, Minnesota widened the lead. A corner kick resulted in a header by Brent Kallman that was cleared by Abdoulaye Diop. However, that clearance landed at the foot of Amarilla 12 yards out, who volleyed the shot, again deflected, into the net.

DCFC’s best chance to make up ground came in the 85th minute as Skage Simonsen sent a ball past midfield to a streaking Morris on a counterattack, hoping to catch Irwin off guard. Irwin was able to make a diving save, shutting the door to the possibility of a comeback by the underdog side.

With the win, Minnesota earned its first win of this year’s competition after getting upset by Union Omaha (USL League One) last year. On the other end, Detroit City FC loses their first US Open Cup match in regulation time since 2015, when they, as an amateur side, were defeated 3-0 by the Michigan Bucks (now Flint City Bucks).

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Charlotte FC avoid “trap”, cruise to win over South Georgia Tormenta

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Charlotte FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against South Georgia Tormenta in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Alana McCallion
Charlotte FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against South Georgia Tormenta in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Alana McCallion

A very focused, full-strength Charlotte FC (MLS) side pushed past the visiting South Georgia Tormenta (USL-1) 4-1 in their first-ever home game in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. More than 3,500 fans crowded into the Matthews Sports Plex on the outskirts of Charlotte on Tuesday night to see the home team use four different goal scorers in their convincing win.

“A game like this could very well be a trap, especially for the younger players,” said Charlotte FC Head Coach Christian Lattanzio. “They need to understand the intensity is so important. We need to go and press every ball and it doesn’t matter the result, they have to play with this kind of mentality. 

“(Tormenta) have some quality players. They can play, they can run, they’re young, some of them are quite talented and it can easily go differently than the way it started.” 

Charlotte FC forward Chris Hegardt echoed his head coach’s ideas about avoiding the Tormenta “trap.”

“I think Cup matches are good, it gives a lot of people that haven’t played much some opportunity, and obviously it’s fun to play teams that aren’t in your league and it’s very competitive,” he said. “ You saw Tormenta, they’re a really good team and they have a lot of good individual players.  So these games aren’t easy, some say it is like a trap game because they (Tormenta) go in and play so hard, so we had to match that intensity today and I though we played really well. So we’re happy about it.”

When asked about the strong lineup Lattanzio added “To us, first and foremost, we want to respect the opposition, you have to play strong and go with your strong team. 

Charlotte FC we want the cup shirt
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“We are building here.”

Tormenta began the game on the front foot, forcing two Kristijan Kahlina saves in the first few minutes. After this initial action, Charlotte FC began to control the midfield spaces and possess the ball, working around the perimeter of the Tormenta defense. For the first 20 minutes, Tormenta was able to deal with any ball played into their concentrated defensive block then counterattack to find some relief from the Charlotte pressure.

In the 24th minute, a lofted cross into the box from the left flank was kept alive by a Hegardt header to find Kamil Józwwiak, who took a clever touch from a sharp angle as he looped a shot up and over the outstretched Tormenta keeper. Despite some tough tackles and some close calls the teams went into the half at 1-0 Charlotte.

The cloudy skies of the day had turned into a slight drizzle in the evening with the natural surface became very fast and greasy. The half opened with a quick red card to Tormenta’s Davey Mason on his second caution in the 48th minute which totally tilted the pitch in favor of the host. Charlotte FC used this man advantage to increase pressure on Tormenta, forcing the game deeper in the visitor’s defensive third and the second goal for Charlotte came off a turnover and driven Brandon Cambridge cross that was tapped into the open net in the 55th minute by forward Enzo Copetti.

Charlotte FC didn’t hold back after the second goal and wave after wave of attacks pinned Tormenta deeper and deeper in their end until a Derrick Jones worm-burner in 65th minute from the top of the box skimmed on the greasy surface, deflecting through a crowded penalty area, and into the Tormenta goal for a 3-0 home advantage

Tormenta did pull a goal back in the 83rd minute off the foot of Mathaus Cassini who hit a blistering shot from outside the area that rocketed passed a diving Kristijan Kahlina. Charlotte FC immediately answered the Tormenta goal just a minute later to end any hopes of a comeback and put the game on ice as Karol Świderski calmly took a page from Jones’ shooting school and produced his own worm-burner that skimmed through the box and tucked neatly into the near post for the final 4-1 advantage to the Crown.

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Two late goals give Pittsburgh Riverhounds repeat win over Maryland Bobcats

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Edward Kizza of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds celebrates scoring a goal against the Maryland Bobcats in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Jeff Gamza @jgamza
Edward Kizza of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds celebrates scoring a goal against the Maryland Bobcats in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Jeff Gamza @jgamza

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC found two late second-half goals to defeat the Maryland Bobcats FC, 2-0, in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup tournament on Tuesday night at Highmark Stadium.

Forward Edward Kizza came off the bench as a second-half substitute to score the game’s breakthrough goal in the 81st minute, then Burke Fahling added insurance late in the 90th minute.

For much of the match, Bob Lilley’s squad played on the front foot but had nothing to show for it.

However, the Hounds took care of business to shake off a challenge from a pesky third-division Maryland side that showed plenty of confidence and willingness to keep bringing transition opportunities when they presented.

“It was nice to see the quality of those two goals.  It was nice to see the resiliency and the toughness to keep going,” Lilley said.

The Hounds entered the match with a handful of players making their first starts for the club. Lilley said he felt it was important for those players to fight through the difficult moments, and find a way to pull through for the victory.

With only a few mainstays in the starting eleven including Robbie Mertz in the holding midfield spot, Tony Lopez in the attacking midfield line, and Luke Biasi starting at right back, the Hounds dictated terms of the match for long stretches, holding 58% of possession and a 22-6 edge in shots.

Pittsburgh struggled to hit the target with their first-half chances, however, as Fahling was the first to force saves by Bobcats goalie Alex Sutton with consecutive shots in the 36th and 38th minute.

“We were getting behind them. It was a game, early, where there were a couple of goals in it (for us). We had some corners, but weren’t finishing in the final third,” Lilley said.

“When you don’t get the goals, they (Maryland) went into the half, thinking, it’s 0-0. Then stepped up the pressure, ran at our back line, and caused us some problems.”

The Bobcats threatened early in the second half — as leading scorer and former Tampa Bay Rowdies and DC United Academy product, Darwin Espinal — weaved into the penalty area after squeezing through a pair of Hounds defenders to force one of three saves by Garner in the 57th minute.

The Hounds did go to the bench with 20 minutes to play, and one of the fresh faces into the game was Kizza, whose last two goals for the club came as a substitute in last year’s USL Championship playoff win over Birmingham.

As the match entered the final 10-minute stretch, it remained scoreless, but the Hounds kept pushing forward.

Eventually, they found the game-breaking moment when Luke Biasi chipped a ball from the right side to the back post area, where Tola Showunmi rose to head the ball back to the front of the goal for Kizza.

The former University of Pittsburgh star had no problem driving home his one-time finish to give the Hounds the elusive lead.

Kizza credited Tola Showunmi with setting him up for what turned out to be a tap-in goal.

“The biggest thing (as a substitute) is asking how you can influence the game,” he said. “The guys who have been playing have already been giving all they can, so it’s about what you can do to help the team get a result and tonight, it doesn’t matter who the opponent is, you just want to make a difference.”

As the game entered stoppage time, a Hounds Academy product getting his first action with the senior club, Anders Bordoy, found himself with room to shoot from the top of the box and drilled a low shot toward the back post. Sutton made the initial save, but Fahling was in the right spot to put home the rebound.

A senior at Kiski Area High School and a Hounds Academy product who had his first Open Cup experience in 2015 as a ball boy at Highmark Stadium versus DC United, Bordoy made the most of his first playing experience in the Cup.

“I just walked out there, and it felt surreal,” he said about entering his first professional game. “To make an impact, too, for a goal was special. It was one of the best feelings I’ve felt in my life. Hopefully, there’s more of those to come.”

Lilley was impressed by his youngest player.

“For Anders to come on and recognize the space … there was no hesitation there,” Lilley said. “He’s got a gifted left peg and that ball was true. There wasn’t any spin on it. I don’t know if it was going in or was going to hit the post, but you can’t tag a ball much better. Anyone in our league would be happy with that quality of a strike.”

Despite his squad’s inability to find the back of the net for 80 minutes — despite being in control for much of the match — Lilley never thought much about making drastic lineup changes, as he kept plenty of belief in his lineup selections and the players he used in the match.

“We could have gone to the bench a lot earlier, but I wanted the guys to find a way,” Lilley said. “I wanted to put the responsibility on them, to step forward, and they were able to do that.”

2023 US Open Cup Round 3 Review: Two MLS teams upset, 7 lower division teams left

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2023 US Open Cup Round 3 St. Louis CITY SC
Photo: Kevin Hall

On paper, the first night of the Third Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup followed the script. All of the higher division clubs held serve in the first eight games of the round, with the exception of one. Monterey Bay FC (USL Championship) pulled off the lone upset with a 1-0 home win over the San Jose Earthquakes. .

On Wednesday, there were 16 more games on the schedule. Most of them went to plan with the exception of Memphis 901 FC knocking off Atlanta United FC. 

Twelve of those 16 games feature Major League Soccer teams playing against lower division clubs. Tulsa Athletic took home the prize money for Open Division (amateur) clubs, winning a tiebreaker with Chicago House AC. The game of the tournament so far might be the Seattle Sounders’ 5-4 win over San Diego Loyal. 

Below, you will find a brief summary of every Round 3 game. Links to the full match reports will be added as the articles are published. 


TUESDAY, APRIL 25

Charleston Battery (USL-C)
1:0
Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
After Extra Time 

By Josh Hakala

It took about 112 minutes, but the deadlock was finally broken between the Charleston Battery and the Charlotte Independence. 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. It was the first win by Charleston in extra time since 2007.

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

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
2:0
Maryland Bobcats FC (NISA)

By Rich Flemings

It was déjà vu at Highmark Stadium, as fans witnessed another US Open Cup match between Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Maryland Bobcats finish 2-0 in favor of the home side. This time, however, both goals were scored in the last ten minutes, as Edward Kizza opened the scoring in the 81st minute and Burke Fahling followed up with a 90th-minute goal. The Riverhounds kept the Bobcats on their heels, barraging their defense with 22 total shots, compared to Maryland’s six. Only four of Pittsburgh’s shots were outside the box and they often connected on accurate crosses from the flanks, winning 65% of their aerial duels.

After automatically advancing to the Third Round as a result of Rochester New York permanently closing their doors, Pittsburgh proved their presence in the tournament is deserved.  The Riverhounds advance to the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup for the first time since 2019 and the fifth time in club history. The club will learn their next opponent in Thursday’s Fourth Round draw.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Charlotte FC (MLS)
4:1
South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)

By Josh Hakala

An early goal set the tone for Charlotte FC, but it was the three goals in the second half that broke it open in a 4-1 home win over South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL League One). It was the first US Open Cup home game for the second-year MLS side. And they won their second straight tournament opener on the strength of four different goalscorers. Kamil Jozwiak opened the scoring in the 24th minute, but didn’t pick up a second until after halftime when Enzo Copetti doubled the lead in the 55th minute. After a nice 1-2 passing combo by Brandon Cambridge on the right side of the box, Cambridge sent a low-driving pass to the front of goal where Copetti buried it from close range.

Ten minutes later, Derrick Jones’ low shot from outside the penalty area made it 3-0. And just when Tormenta seemed poised to stage a comeback with a long-range goal by Matheus Cassini in the 83rd minute, Karol Swiderski answered right back less than a minute later with a low shot at the top of the ‘D’ to give Charlotte a 4-1 lead.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Detroit City FC (USL-C)
1:3
Minnesota United FC (MLS)

By George Diamond

It only took Detroit City five minutes to open the scoring at Keyworth Stadium. DCFC Center back Amoo-Mensah carried the ball into Minnesota’s third and set up Yazeed Mathews. The striker finished his chance off the post. 

Halftime saw the score unchanged despite several chances for both teams. Detroit started brightly but the Loons’ players, who were largely composed of backups, grew into the game.

Although Detroit’s Goalie Nate Steinwascher saved a certain goal from a Kevin Arriaga volley, Minnesota found the leveler through Fragapane after a nifty passing sequence in the 60th minute.

Shortly after, in the 63rd minute, the Loons got the lead from a deflected Iwe strike which lifted over Steinwascher and into the back of the net. In the 66th minute, Luis Amarilla forced the third Minnesota goal in, off a Detroit defender. The Loons scored three goals in six minutes and completely flipped the script on their USL Championship opponents.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

New England Revolution (MLS)
2:1
Hartford Athletic (USL-C)

By Jordan Beech 

A 76th-minute goal proved the difference as New England Revolution dispatched a game Hartford Athletic, 2-1, in the Third Round on Tuesday night. Dave Romney connected with Carles Gil for the match-winner.

The Revolution quickly got on the board to open the match thanks to Justin Rinnicks nodding home a goal in the 13th minute off an assist from Damián Rivera. Antoine Hoppenot leveled the contest in the 52nd minute before Romney sealed the victory for the hosts.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

St. Louis CITY SC (MLS)
5:1
Union Omaha (USL-1)

By Rich Flemings

St. Louis CITY caught the Open Cup magic, decisively dispatching Union Omaha 5-1.  CITYPARK was the place to be on Tuesday night, as over 24,423 fans filled the stadium and set a record for Third Round attendance (10th largest crowd in tournament history).  Fans didn’t have to wait long after the opening whistle to get a taste of what was to come, as Aziel Jackson scored a goal in the third minute of play. Célio Pompeu had an impact on every single St. Louis goal tonight: 3 assists, fed the ball that was deflected in as an own goal, and then had his thru-pass deflected into the path of designated player Eduard Löwen, who scored soon after being subbed into the match.

The home team was relentless in their attack, finishing the match with 17 shots inside of Union Omaha’s penalty area. The Owls tried to stretch St. Louis, converting 45 accurate long balls, but St. Louis’ defense steadied their nerves and acted swiftly to counter the attempts against them.  Another big contributor to success from the home side was their ability to dominate the flanks. With Union Omaha’s shape, the sidelines were often left unattended and St. Louis took full advantage of the opportunity. In their first appearance in the US Open Cup as an MLS club, St. Louis CITY advanced to the Fourth Round and fans will have another chance at selling out their home stadium.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
3:0
Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)

By Michael Battista

Sporting Kansas City equaled their in-season goal total against amateurs Tulsa Athletic on Tuesday night. The Major League Soccer side dominated in possession and fully broke through in the second half to advance, 3-0.

Nearly 10,000 fans at Children’s Mercy Park, including a bus traveling contingent front Tulsa, saw the MLS side outpace the National Premier Soccer League side. However, the amateurs got a break in the 16th minute when Jordan Watson was taken down in the box by SKC keeper John Pulskamp. The following PK attempt by Christopher Taylor was saved by Pulskamp and was one of Tulsa’s two shots on target all game.

Dániel Sallói got the four-time Open Cup champions on the board in the 32nd minute. His takeaway from a Tulsa player allowed him to cut into the middle and shoot from far out, getting past Athletic keeper Bryson Reed. To use a hockey term, the amateurs played the rest of the match as if they were trying to kill a power play. They rarely possessed and hoped the defense and keeper could hold up against the division 1 side. Former Mexican national team player Alan Pulido put the dagger into the match in the 54th minute with his team’s second goal. A third from Marinos Tzionis in the 68th was one of SKCs 39 total shots compared to Tulsa’s four.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Monterey Bay FC (USL-C)
1:0
San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

By William Hodges

Monterey Bay FC capitalized on a botched back pass in the 26th minute by Earthquakes defender Antonio Josenildo Rodrigues De Oliveria. Forward Christian Volesky quickly pounced on the mistake and his right-footed shot made it just past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Daniel De Sousa Brito to give the home side a 1-0 lead and send Cardinale Stadium into a frenzy.

Despite a number of second half substitutions from the Earthquakes to bring on starters, their inability to finish in the final third was a problem throughout the match. Additionally, standout performances by the Monterey Bay backline and goalkeeper Gerold Siaha Ngnepi were major factors in the 1-0 Monterey win.

San Jose Earthquakes bow out of the Open Cup for the second consecutive year to a lower division team (Sacramento Republic FC in 2022). Monterey advances to the round of 32, and with it, delivers the first Cupset of the Third Round.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26

FC Cincinnati (MLS)
1:0
Louisville City FC (USL-C)

By: Phil Naegely

FC Cincinnati advanced to the Fourth Round of the 2023 US Open Cup over Louisville City FC behind Arquimides Ordonez’s late game-winner. The 85th minute goal sealed the 1-0 victory for the hosts as Alvaro Barreal set up his teammate’s close range shot that found the back of the net.

The hosts almost doubled their lead in the waning moments, but Louisville City’s keeper collected Luciano Acosta’s right-footed shot from right outside the box.

Despite holding a 15-7 shots advantage, Louisville City failed to find a goal. The USL Championship side threatened throughout the first half, forcing Cincy goalie Alec Kann to dive and punch away the ball on multiple occasions.  

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Loudoun United FC (USL-C)
5:0
Flower City Union (NISA)

By: Rich Flemings

Loudoun United scored three goals in the first half and never looked back, eventually defeating Flower City Union 5-0 at home.  Loudoun’s forward Tommy Williamson had a first-half brace and Kalil ElMedkhar added a goal and an assist to the evening, as well.  While the possession battle was nearly split evenly, the home side carried every offensive statistical category, including 23 total shots, 15 shots inside the box, and 89% accurate passing.

Flower City was making their second-ever appearance in the Open Cup and bettered their 2022 appearance by advancing one extra round.  In an ill twist of fate, Flower City Union’s Open Cup run in 2022 came at the hands of MLS Club DC United. Their 2023 run ends at the hands of Loudoun United, who have a minority owner in DC United. Loudoun United is making the most out of their first-ever appearance in the Open Cup by advancing to the Fourth Round of the tournament. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Atlanta United FC (MLS)
1:2
Memphis 901 FC (USL-C)

By Jon Sicotte 

Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia is usually a home away from home for the Atlanta United. But a late penalty kick in stoppage time by Phillip Goodrum, followed up with an extra time goal from Memphis 901 FC’s Nighte Pickering in the 100th minute gave the USL-Championship side a 2-1 extra time victory against the host MLS squad on Wednesday in the Third Round.

In the fifth minute of six minutes of stoppage time with Atlanta clinging to a 1-0 lead, Juan José Purata took down Goodrum in the box to set up a penalty kick. Goodrum, a former Atlanta United 2 protégé, swifty drilled the ball past Atlanta keeper Clément Diop to knot the game at 1-1.

In extra time, a turnover in by Atlanta gave the ball to Memphis’ Luiz Fernando who drove the ball down the right side and volleyed it to Pickering who shot the ball in mid-air, slamming the shot home to take a 2-1 lead in the 100th minute.

The Five Stripes went into the match with a 8-0-0 record in Kennesaw, including five of those coming during Open Cup play.

Making his first start of the season, Atlanta’s Tyler Wolff found the back of the net in the third minute to get things started. Wolff received a long pass from Luiz Araújo — the lone typical starter for Atlanta’s XI — who swung it deep from midfield toward the front of the 18-yard box. Wolff received the pass cleanly and slotted it with his left foot past Memphis keeper Bill Hamid’s outstretched left hand. It ended up being the only shot on goal for United in the entire match.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Columbus Crew (MLS)
1:0
Indy Eleven (USL-C)

By Jason Herbert 

The Columbus Crew hosted Indy Eleven Wednesday evening at Lower.com field in the Third Round of the 108th US Open Cup. Although Wilfried Nancy rested playmaker Lucas Zelarayn, Columbus fielded a pretty strong side that included Darlington Nagbe, Jacen Russell-Rowe and the return of Cucho Hernandez who had been out for a prolonged period due to injury. Throughout the first half the Crew were able to create a handful of great chances on goal but things were scoreless at halftime due in large part to Indy Eleven’s Yannik Oettl, who thwarted the Crew’s efforts time and time again.

Indy Eleven would hold strong throughout much of the second half even as Nancy made significant substitutions to change the Columbus attack including regulars Aidan Morris and Alex Matan. One such substitute, Mo Farsi, would come up big for the Crew and finally break through as Steven Moreira slipped a pass through the Indy Eleven defense that Farsi would slot home in the 83rd minute. Evan Bush, who tallied two saves on the night, was forced into action in the 90th minute as he made a diving save to preserve the scoreline for Columbus.

In a match that saw the Crew earn 17 corner kicks, create 21 shots (eight on goal) and have a 65/35 advantage in possession, they will nonetheless take the 1-0 win as they avenge last year’s early exit and move on to the next round of the US Open Cup.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

D.C. United (MLS)
1:0
Richmond Kickers (USL-1)

By Jordan Beech

D.C. United scraped out a hard-fought win against the Richmond Kickers to advance to the Round of 32. Yamil Asad scored the lone goal of the match in the 51st minute, converting from the spot to send United through. Alex Bono earned the clean sheet for United. 

For United, the win marks the second-straight year they’ve dispatched a third-division opponent to advance to the Round of 32. The three-time winners of the Open Cup are now 11-2-1 all-time against the third division in tournament play. This also marked the seventh all-time meeting between United and Richmond in Open Cup play, the second-longest rivalry in the competition’s Modern Era (1995-present).

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Miami FC (USL-C)
2:2
Inter Miami CF (MLS)
Inter Miami CF advances, 5-3 in PK shootout

By Josh Hakala

For the second year in a row, Inter Miami CF kicked off their US Open Cup run against Miami FC at Florida International University. And for the second year in a row, Inter Miami eliminated the USL Championship side. This year, they needed a penalty kick shootout to do it. It looked like Miami FC might avenge their 1-0 loss from last year. A goal in the 2nd minute by Miami FC’s Christian Sorto held up for 87 minutes, but Shanyder Borgeli’s scored off a cross from the right wing by Jean Mota in the 89th minute. Then, when DeAndre Yedlin of Inter Miami put the ball in his own net in the 116th minute, it appeared as though Miami FC would be advancing. But once again, Inter Miami tied the game up late as Ryan Sailor scored two minutes later on a header from a cross from the left wing.

After both teams scored on their first three attempts, Jean Mota converted his attempt in the 4th frame for Inter Miami. Ryan Telfer missed his attempt in the bottom half of the frame, which left it up to Kamal Miller. He scored to give the MLS side a 5-3 shootout win.  

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C)
0:1
Houston Dynamo (MLS)

By Josh Hakala

The Houston Dynamo won their opening game in the US Open Cup for the ninth year in a row with a 1-0 road win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The difference in the game was a goal from Houston’s 18-year-old homegrown signing Brooklyn Raines in the 44th minute. The Liberian-born midfielder scored on the counterattack when he received a pass from Corey Baird just before halftime. Goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell kept the clean sheet for the Dynamo.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
1:1
Chattanooga FC (NISA)
Birmingham advances, 4-3 in PK shootout

By Josh Hakala

Birmingham Legion took a 1-0 lead into halftime thanks to a goal from Kasim Prosper in the 31st minute. It would take a little more than 30 minutes for Chattanooga to find an equalizer. Markus Naglestad would convert a penalty kick in the 68th minute. The match would have to be decided by a penalty kick shootout. Each team converted their first attempts, but in the second frame Richard Dixon (Chattanooga FC) missed his attempt and Juan Agudelo had his shot saved. After trading goals for the next two frames, Leonel Alvarenga (Chattanooga FC) had his attempt saved and combined with Enco Martinez’s goal that followed, Birmingham are moving on to Round 4. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Chicago Fire (MLS)
3:0
Chicago House AC (USASA/Midwest PL)

By Eric Casey

Midwest Premier League side Chicago House AC took on the Chicago Fire Wednesday, but they were unable to pull off the upset against the MLS club that House AC President Peter Wilt once managed. Wilt won four US Open Cup titles as the Fire’s general manager from 1998-2006. The Fire won the game 3-0 to snap a three-game winless streak in the tournament.  

The first 25 minutes saw a handful of attacking chances for the Fire as they largely controlled possession. They eventually broke through in the 26th minute when striker Kacper Przybyłko calmly finished a cross from Federico Navarro, and the Fire would find the goal again just 11 minutes later when defender Kendall Burks headed in a corner from Alonso Aceves. They continued to apply pressure as the first half wore on, attempting 12 shots with three on target, compared to just a single shot attempt from House AC. 

The beginning of the second half saw much of the same; by the 65th minute, the Fire had attempted 19 shots, with House AC goalkeeper Anthony Halterman making several acrobatic saves to prevent the game from getting even more out of hand. House’s substitutions and tactical changes failed to make a difference, and Burks scored again for the Fire’s final goal in the 70th minute to make it 3-0, with fellow defender Wyatt Omsberg picking up the assist.  

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Nashville SC (MLS)
1:0
San Antonio FC (USL-C)

By Josh Hakala

Nashville SC defeated San Antonio FC 1-0 to advance to the Fourth Round. Ethan Zubak scored the lone goal of the game in the 71st minute to keep Nashville undefeated all-time at home in US Open Cup play. For Zubak, it was the second tournament in a row where he scored a goal. Last year, he scored the game-winner in extra time in a 3-2 win over Atlanta United. Elliot Panico made five saves in goal for Nashville to earn the clean sheet. Dating back to the club’s 2018 debut season in the USL, Nashville is 6-0-1 at home. The only blemish on their home record is a 2019 Third Round draw against the Charleston Battery when they lost in a penalty kick shootout.  

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT 

Colorado Rapids (MLS)
3:1
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1)

By Jordan Beech

Jonathan Lewis delivered a Man of the Match performance as the Colorado Rapids claimed a victory over Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in the inaugural Platte River Derby. It’s the first time since 2017 that the Rapids have managed to advance past their debut match in the tournament.

It didn’t take long for Lewis to make his mark on the match, firing a low strike from distance into the bottom corner in just the fifth minute of play. He’d score again on a nifty bit of build up play with Max in the 55th minute before assisting on Max’s goal in the 65th minute.

Jackson Dietrich scored the lone goal for the Hailstorm, connecting on a diving header at the back post from Bruno Rendon’s service.

The Rapids will find out their Round of 32 opponent on Thursday afternoon. A win in the next round would mark the club’s return to the Round of 16 for the first time since 2017.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

New Mexico United (USL-C)
2:1
Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)

By Jordan Beech

Emotions ran hot as New Mexico United claimed a measure of revenge in a 2-1 victory over Phoenix Rising FC that mirrored last season’s Third Round matchup. William Hale handed out nine cards, including a straight red to Phoenix’s Baboucarr Njie in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time.

Greg Hurst, who scored the winner for PRFC in last season’s Open Cup meeting, put his new side up 1-0 just before halftime. Events got chippy from there, with seven of the matches’ nine cards shown between the 45th minute and seventh minute of stoppage time.

Though Carlos Harvey pulled Phoenix level in the 77th minute, it was Josh Dolling that put the finishing touches on the match. He fired home an unassisted goal in the 87th minute to see NMU through to the Round of 32.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)
1:3
Real Salt Lake (MLS)
After Extra Time

By Jon Sicotte 

Damir Kreilach’s corner kick goal late in the first half of extra time seem to be enough for Real Salt Lake to eke out a Third Round US Open Cup victory, but the Las Vegas Lights’ Luke Stauffer had something to say in that with an equalizer minutes later. 

Yet, Kreilach completed a brace with a goal in the 115th minute of extra time while Danny Musovski put the final nail in the coffin five minutes later to help RSL advance with a 3-1 AET win and snap a seven-match Cup winless streak on Wednesday.

The win for the MLS side also snapped a 7-match winless streak in Open Cup play, the longest such streak in the Modern Era (1995-present). It also marks the first time in six attempts that RSL has won a road game in Open Cup play 

The teams played level to a 0-0 draw through regulation time with both squads finding the framework at least twice despite no score. The match was the first time the USL Championship Lights had the opportunity to host a MLS club at Cashman Field in the team’s history.

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Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
1:0
Oakland Roots SC (USL-C)

By William Hodges

Following an uneventful 45 minutes, Sacramento Republic FC broke through 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 and slotted it home to give the home side a 1-0 advantage.

Collectively, there were only three chances on goal all evening. The match would end 1-0, which was a bit of a surprise given how hotly contested their matches typically are.

With the win, Republic FC, last year’s runner-up, advance to the Round of 32, while Oakland bows out of the tournament. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
5:4
San Diego Loyal (USL-C)
After Extra Time

By Mathias Medel

In what many will consider the match of the round, Seattle Sounders FC bested San Diego Loyal SC 5-4 after an exhilarating 120 minutes of soccer. The MLS side lined up mainly with reserve players saw a had a two-goal lead twice and San Diego still managed to battle back on the strength of a pair of goals from Joe Corona. San Diego would find a way to to send the game into extra time with a stoppage time missile by Kyle Adams.

It took Seattle just 10 minutes to find the lead again, this time through defender Reed Baker-Whiting’s beautiful shot into the top right corner from just outside the 18-yard box. With just four minutes left in extra time, San Diego Loyal found another miracle, this time in Jackson Simba’s header off of an assist from Corona. Simba had been on the field just seconds prior to his goal. In stoppage time of the second half of extra time, San Diego’s hero committed a foul in his own box, which forced the referee to point to the spot. Fredy Montero converted his second goal of the game, and the 10th of his career to give the Sounders a 5-4 win. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Portland Timbers (MLS)
3:1
Orange County SC (USL-C)

By Wendy Pintor 

Taking a midweek rest from their regular-season schedule, the Portland Timbers hosted USL side Orange County SC on Wednesday in the Third Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. Portland would take the win, 3-1. Marvin Loria scored the first goal in the 37th minute opening up the game for both teams after a nervous start on the pitch. Then Tyler Clegg added to his debut by scoring in the 48th minute with a header in the box out beating the defense. Six minutes later, Orange County cut the lead in half with a goal from Milan Iloski. The Timbers put the game away in second half stoppage time with a goal from Jaroslaw Niezgoda.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2023 US Open Cup Round 3 preview with live stream links: First wave of MLS teams join the tournament

by

The field is starting to thin, and only 48 teams remain. After two exciting rounds, MLS enters the fray for the first time in the 2023 edition of the US Open Cup. Eighteen MLS teams enter in the Third Round, including two of the most successful teams in the Open Cup’s Modern Era – Seattle Sounders FC and Sporting Kansas City.

In addition to the MLS entrants, money is likely on the line as Chicago House AC and Tulsa Athletic are the final amateur sides left in this year’s tournament. Chicago House takes on Chicago Fire, while Tulsa will face Sporting KC.

Of the 24 Third Round matches, six feature teams solely from US Soccer’s lower divisions, and five will see MLS teams on the road to face their lower division opponent. Entering Tuesday night, there are 18 MLS teams, 20 from the USL Championship, five from USL League One, three NISA teams and one each from the NPSL and Midwest Premier League.

You can find a preview of each Third Round match, along with broadcast links. (Be sure to follow @USOpenCup on Twitter for live updates of every game)

TUESDAY, APRIL 25

Charlotte Independence (USL-1) at Charleston Battery (USL-C)
Patriots Point Soccer Stadium – Mount Pleasant, SC
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By Adam Uthe

Two Southern sides firing on all cylinders face off when USL League One’s Charlotte Independence travel south of the (Carolina) border to take on USL Championship side Charleston Battery. Both teams are currently undefeated in league play and sitting atop the standings of their respective divisions/conferences.

Charlotte got their first Open Cup win since 2017 after defeating Appalachian FC 2-0 in Round 2. The win snapped a four-game losing streak in the tournament, with their previous three losses all coming at the hands of amateur teams. Goals from Khori Bennett and Clay Dimick were enough to see the North Carolina side through, but the name casual fans will want to watch is former MLS journeyman Miguel Ibarra. Independence coach Mike Jeffries declared Ibarra his “man of the match” in Round 2 and the USL League One league leaders will look to their star man for inspiration against an equally red hot side in Charleston team. Charlotte is seeking the club’s first win over a pro team since their inaugural season in 2015.

Charleston Battery find themselves undefeated and atop the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference after seven matches played so far this season. Their Second Round was also quite comfortable as they defeated amateur side and Open Cup debutants Savannah Clovers 4-1 with all four goals coming from different goal scorers. The win was the Battery’s 35th in the Modern Era (1995-present) which ranks fifth among all teams. In 2008 they made it all the way to the final, where they fell to MLS side DC United 2-1 at RFK Stadium.

In other words: this Round 3 matchup promises to have plenty of quality on display.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 6-5-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 4-3-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-2-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2015)

Charleston Battery (USL-C)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 35-18-7 (4-3 PK)
Home: 27-7-5 (2-3 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 6-2-0
Best finish: 2008 Runner-Up


Maryland Bobcats FC (NISA) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Jim Coppock

The Maryland Bobcats travel again to Pittsburgh for a date with the Riverhounds at Highmark Stadium. This is the second Open Cup tilt between the two sides in as many years. Pittsburgh won that game 2-0, with goals either side of halftime by Toby Sims, in the Second Round of last year’s tournament. This is one of only six games not involving an MLS side.

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Maryland is off to a good start in NISA league play (2-0-0), gathering all six points on offer so far, trailing only Chattanooga FC. Their 5-1 victory over Club de Lyon last Saturday was the start of a three-week break in league play. Former Detroit City player, Darwin Espinal, leads the team in scoring with two of the team’s six goals.

Pittsburgh is finding a mixed bag of results in USL Championship play (2-3-2, 9 pts.), losing 2 of their last 3 and sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Albert Dikwa is the Riverhounds’ leading scorer with 4 of the team’s 7 goals, including a hat trick against Memphis 901 FC in week 2.

With Pittsburgh’s hot-and-cold form, could leave the game’s result up in the air with Maryland wanting to enter their long break on a high note at the expense of a higher division side.

The Riverhounds advanced to the Third Round after MLS Next Pro side Rochester New York FC folded. This marks the fourth year in a row that the Riverhounds have advanced beyond the opening round, which is the longest such streak in club history.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Maryland Bobcats FC (NISA)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
19th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 14-16-3 (1-2 PK)
Home: 10-5-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 1-1-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2001)

South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1) at Charlotte FC (MLS)
Mecklenburg County Sportsplex – Matthews, NC
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo

By Adam Uthe

This Southern showdown might look like a mismatch on paper, given the leagues they play in, but look close and there’s reason to believe this one will be competitive.

South Georgia Tormenta defeated USL Championship side Rio Grande Valley Toros 2-1 in Round 2; their third Open Cup win in club history. All three wins have come against teams from the USL Championship. Tormenta’s goals came from John Murphy Jr. and Kingsford Adjei, while goalkeeper Pablo Jara came up with a second half penalty save that proved to be decisive. Their league play has been inconsistent, but they still find themselves currently in third place in the USL League One standings with three wins and three losses.

Charlotte FC find themselves mired in mediocrity in their second season in MLS, currently sitting in 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings with a minus-6 goal differential through the first nine games. That being said, they did reach the Round of 16 in their Open Cup debut in 2022, before eventually falling to the New York Red Bulls 3-1 and they just beat an in-form Columbus Crew side 1-0 on Sunday, so there’s reason for optimism in the Queen City.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-2-0
Away: 2-2-0
vs. MLS: 0-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)

Charlotte FC (MLS)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 2-0-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2022)

Minnesota United FC (MLS) at Detroit City FC (USL-C)
Keyworth Stadium – Hamtramck, MI
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Chuck Carlson

USL Championship side Detroit City FC (DCFC) host MLS’s Minnesota United in a Third Round Open Cup matchup of Upper Midwest professional teams. Both DCFC and United are coming off 1-0 league losses, so will be looking to turn things around in this first-ever meeting between the teams. Minnesota is currently 3-3-2, ranked seventh in the Western Conference standings, eight points behind first place St. Louis. Detroit City has struggled in the early league season with a 1-5-1 record, sitting in last place in the Eastern Conference. They are winless in their last five league matches (0-4-1). All but two of their competitive matches this season have been decided by a single goal, along with one scoreless draw.

Minnesota teams have participated in the Open Cup for many years, but Minnesota United didn’t start until 2010 when it was a member of the USSF’s Division 2 under the name of NSC Minnesota Stars. United entered the Cup for the first time as a MLS team in 2017, and fellow MLS team Sporting Kansas City promptly dispatched them 4-0 in United’s first Cup match. Their Cup performance improved significantly in 2019, when they beat Sporting KC 4-1 in the Fourth Round before thumping USL Championship side New Mexico United 6-1 on their way to reaching the Final where they fell to Atlanta United in front of a record crowd. Last year, they beat third-division Forward Madison and MLS’ Colorado Rapids before losing at home to USL League One’s Union Omaha in the Round of 16.

Founded in 2012, Detroit City FC are making their sixth Open Cup appearance, and second since moving to USL Championship in 2022. They struggled in their earliest Cup matches, never moving beyond Second Round until 2022, when they reached the Round of 32 before losing to fellow USL Championship side Louisville City in penalties. During that 2022 run, DCFC defeated the Columbus Crew 2-1 at home, so they will be looking to extend their unbeaten streak against MLS competition in Detroit.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Minnesota United FC (MLS)
12th US Open Cup appearance (5th as MLS team)
Overall: 11-9-2 (1-1 PK) | 6-4-1 (1-0 PK) as MLS
Away: 6-5-2 (1-1 PK) | 2-3-1 (1-0 PK) as MLS
vs. Div. 2: 1-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2019 Runner Up

Detroit City FC (USL-C)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-2-5 (2-3 PK)
Home: 3-0-3 (1-2 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-0-0 
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)

Hartford Athletic (USL-C) at New England Revolution (MLS)
Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, MA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Eric Casey

Back before what is now known as Gillette Stadium was built in 2002, New England Revolution owner Robert Kraft came narrowly close to moving both his NFL and MLS teams to Hartford, Conn.

Now over 21 years later, USL Championship squad Hartford Athletic will travel just under 100 miles from Hartford to Foxborough to face the Revolution in the Third Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. The winner will be the sole representative of the New England area left in this year’s competition.

After a disappointing 2022 MLS season, the Revolution have seemingly recovered from the departures of Tajon Buchanan (Now with Club Brugge in Belgium) and Matt Turner (now with Arsenal); they currently sit tied with FC Cincinnati atop the Eastern Conference with 20 points, entering this US Open Cup match with a six game unbeaten streak. The team is averaging 1.67 goals per game so far in MLS play, and their usual starting goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic has allowed just eight goals in nine games, with four clean sheets.

The Revolution started last year’s competition in the Fourth Round, defeating FC Cincinnati 5-1 before being bounced in the Round of 16 by New York City F.C 1-0. In 2007, the club brought home the New England region’s first US Open Cup since Ponta Delgada SC of Fall River, Mass. won 60 years earlier in 1947. It was New England’s first major trophy.

New England also reached the Cup final in 2001 and 2016.

Founded in 2018, Hartford Athletic’s first win in club history came in their 2019 US Open Cup Second Round with a 2-1 win against New York Cosmos B. They advanced to the Third Round that year — a feat they would repeat last year — but have yet to make it further in the Cup. In this year’s USL Championship, they currently sit just outside the playoff picture in 9th place. Liberian striker Prince Saydee is tied for the third most goals in league play, with four.

Hartford made it to the Third Round by defeating Lansdowne Yonkers FC 3-0 at home earlier this month, with forward Elvis Amoh accounting for all three. He currently sits tied for first with New Mexico’s Josh Dolling in the chase for the competition’s golden boot. Hartford will need the full starpower of both Elvis and Prince on Tuesday, but a victory on the road against their nearby MLS competition would surely be the biggest accomplishment in the club’s young history.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Hartford Athletic (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-2-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. MLS: 0-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2019, 2022)

New England Revolution (MLS)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 21-16-5 (3-2 PK)
Home: 14-5-3 (2-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 6-2-2 (1-1 PK)
Best finish: 2007 US Open Cup Champion

Union Omaha (USL-1) at St. Louis CITY SC (MLS)
CITYPARK – St. Louis, MO
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Andrew Mosier

St. Louis CITY SC’s debut season in MLS has been, by all accounts, a spectacular success, if not a surprise. City enters Tuesday’s Third Round Open Cup match 6-2-1, sharing the top spot in the Western Conference with Seattle Sounders FC with 19 points. The year’s biggest surprise hope to carry the good form—and uphold longstanding traditions of St. Louis clubs in Open Cup play—in the club’s inaugural Open Cup match against USL League One’s Omaha Union.

Omaha, meanwhile, look to build on last year’s run to the Quarterfinals. They beat Des Moines Menace (USL-2) 2-1 in the Second Round  and continued their run with an upset of the Chicago Fire (MLS) in penalty kicks (5-4) after playing to a 2-2 draw. Alexander Touche scored in the 120th minute to send the game to penalty kicks. In the Round of 32, Omaha knocked off fellow USL League One club Northern Colorado Hailstorm to earn them $25,000 in prize money as the Third Division club to advance the farthest. Behind goals from Hugo Kametani and Joe Brito, Omaha knocked off a second straight MLS opponent in Minnesota United to advance to the Quarterfinals against Sporting Kansas City. It was the first quarterfinal appearance in Open Cup history for a USL League One side. Unfortunately, the clock struck twelve for the Cinderella Omaha side at Children’s Mercy Park. Sporting washed over the Union 6-0.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Union Omaha (USL-1)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 1-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2022)

St. Louis CITY SC (MLS)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Tulsa Athletic (NPSL) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
Children’s Mercy Park – Kansas City, KS
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Jordan Beech

After upsetting local rival FC Tulsa for the club’s first-ever win over a professional side, Tulsa Athletic looks to continue their giant-killing ways against Sporting Kansas City. To do so, Tulsa will have to show out in front of a hostile KC Cauldron and a SKC side that has a storied history in the Open Cup.

Tulsa Athletic enters the Third Round for the first time in club history. The NPSL side advanced via KB Harris’ header in a 1-0 win over USL Championship side FC Tulsa. A win on Wednesday night would be the club’s first over an MLS side, as well as their first win on the road. Athletic is one of just two amateur sides still standing in the competition, and could stand to take home the $25,000 prize money given to the top-finishing amateur side. If they win and Chicago House loses to the Chicago Fire, Tulsa will take home the prize money. If both amateur teams lose, Tulsa would also win $25,000 on a tiebreaker. If both teams are eliminated and Chicago House is eliminated by penalty kicks, Chicago would take the prize money.

Sporting KC will be limping into the Open Cup, having opened the 2023 MLS season with an 0-6-3 record and has as many red cards as goals scored this season. However, the Open Cup could be just what the club needs to kick off their season as Peter Vermes’ side has won the competition three times over his tenure, and four times overall. Sporting reached the Semifinals of last year’s competition before falling 5-4 in penalty kicks after a scoreless draw vs. Sacramento Republic FC.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 0-2-0
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2014, 2022)

Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 31-15-7 (4-3 PK)
Home: 23-7-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 4-0-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Champions (2004, 2012, 2015, 2017)

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) at Monterey Bay FC (USL-C)
Cardinale Stadium – Seaside, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By William Hodges

Fresh off their first ever Open Cup win (a 3-1 extra time road win over Central Valley Fuego), Monterey Bay FC looks to continue their Open Cup run Tuesday when they host the San Jose Earthquakes at Cardinale Stadium.

Monterey Bay held off a pesky Central Valley Fuego on the back of three extra time goals from Christian Volesky, Alex Dixon and Samuel Gleadle. They will need this kind of production and more heading into the third round. They are currently 3-2-2 in league  play which is good for fifth in the USL Championship Western Conference. They are unbeaten in their last four games (3-0-1) in all competitions. Monterey Bay are the top scoring team in the league and boast the league’s top scorer in Alex Dixon with six.

San Jose Earthquakes enter tournament play for the first time in 2023. Their last match came in 2022 when they were eliminated 2-0 on the road against underdog and eventual Open Cup finalist Sacramento Republic FC in the Round of 16. The Quakes are still seeking the club’s first Open Cup title. In fact, San Jose has yet to reach an Open Cup Final after two Semifinal appearance in 2004 and 2017. Both Semifinal matches were close (1-0 road loss in 2004, PK loss on the road in 2017) and both came against Sporting Kansas City.

Just like Monterey Bay, the Quakes are also sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference. They are 4-3-2 and just had a four-game unbeaten streak (2-0-2) snapped this past Saturday with a 3-1 road loss against Real Salt Lake. Cristian Espinoza leads the team in scoring with six goals, which is good for third in the league.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
18th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 16-13-8 (4-4 PK)
Away: 7-8-5 (3-2 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 9-2-2 (2-0)
Best finish: Semifinals (2004, 2017)

Monterey Bay FC (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26

Louisville City FC (USL-C) at FC Cincinnati (MLS)
TQL Stadium – Cincinnati, OH
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Jordan Beech

It’s a rivalry renewed as Louisville City FC travels to take on FC Cincinnati in a special Open Cup edition of the Dirty River Derby. The derby – last played in 2021 – has been contested 12 times, with both teams owning five wins. However, the only other time the derby was played in the 2019 tournament, Cincinnati secured victory, 2-1, in extra time.

A 69th minute goal by Sean Totsch allowed LCFC to sneak past Lexington Sporting Club in a Bluegrass State affair in the Second Round. Louisville, who reached the Quarterfinals last year, on the strength of back-to-back penalty kick wins. They needed nine rounds of penalties to get past St. Louis City SC 2 at home followed by a win over Detroit City FC. They would fall 2-1 at home to Nashville SC. City enters Wednesday’s game with a 4-2-1 league record, which has them tied for second in the East. Since their Round 2 win, Louisville is unbeaten in their last three games (2-0-1). 

FC Cincinnati has enjoyed a large measure of success in MLS league play this season, sitting second in the Eastern Conference with a 6-1-2 record. Sergio Santos currently leads the team with four goals. The MLS edition of the Orange and Blue haven’t had the same success in the Open Cup as the USL version. In 2017, their second year as a franchise, they reached the Semifinals (which included a narrow home win over Louisville City), and in 2018 they won two games before falling to MLS side Minnesota United in the Fourth Round. In 2019 and 2022, FC Cincinnati has had just one win each year before falling in their second game.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Louisville City FC (USL-C)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 11-6-3 (3-0 PK)
Away: 3-5-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-4-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2018)

FC Cincinnati (MLS)
6th US Open Cup appearance (3rd as MLS team)
Overall: 9-4-2 (1-1 PK) | 2-2-0 as MLS
Home: 7-1-2 (1-1 PK) | 2-0-0 as MLS
vs. Div. 2: 5-2-0 | 2-1-0 as MLS
Best finish: Semifinals (2017)

Flower City Union (NISA) at Loudoun United FC (USL-C)
Segra Field – Leesburg, VA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Eleven Sports

By Jordan Beech

Flower City Union and Loudon United FC face each other in a class of lower division sides in the Wednesday night’s Third Round matchup. The meeting is one of just six in the Third Round that doesn’t feature an MLS team.

The visitors from Rochester, NY advanced to the Third Round for the second year in a row after dispatching Manhattan SC (USL-2), 3-1. Stephan Elias did the heavy lifting, bagging a first-half brace, while Alioune Diakhate tacked on an insurance goal late. Flower City reached the Third Round last season before falling to MLS-side DC United.

Loudoun United won their Open Cup debut last round, squeaking past USL League One’s North Carolina FC, 2-1, in extra time. Zachary Ryan gave United the 1-0 advantage in just the eighth minute of action, but NCFC evened the affair in the second half. It took most of extra time to find a winner, but eventually Loudoun’s Wesley Leggett found the decisive second goal.

In league play, Flower City are still seeking their first win. Their two games were both 1-0 road losses to Chattanooga FC and the Maryland Bobcats. Loudoun United are currently fourth in the USL Championship Eastern Conference with a game in hand. They are 3-2-1 and have won their last two league games, both of them by shutout. Zach Ryan has been the top scorer in the early season for United, as he’s second in the league in scoring with five goals.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Flower City Union (NISA)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)

Loudoun United FC (USL-C)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 1-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Memphis 901 FC (USL-C) at Atlanta United (MLS)
Fifth Third Bank Stadium – Kennesaw, GA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Tyler Pilgrim

Atlanta United and Memphis 901 face off Wednesday for the first time ever in a match rife with storylines. Memphis gaffer Stephen Glass took the helm of the western-Tennessee club in November after coming off a stretch with Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen, a team which interestingly has a strategic partnership with Atlanta United. Prior to that stint, Glass was actually the Five Stripes’ interim manager for a short spell and the head coach of Atlanta United 2. With the likelihood of a fair amount of rotation amongst Atlanta’s squad Wednesday, there’s a distinct possibility some of Glass’ former players will be playing against him as Memphis looks to shake off the early season jitters. They struggled to dispatch USL League One squad One Knoxville in the prior round of the Cup, relying on a 124th minute goal by Jeremy Kelly.

Atlanta United, on the other hand, is preparing for a busy stretch of three matches in six days. Coach Gonzalo Pineda has never taken the Open Cup lightly, though, either as player or manager. He knows what it takes to win the entire tournament and won’t be afraid to unleash the talents of players like World Cup winner Thiago Almada and Greek international Giorgos Giakoumakis – assuming they’re healthy enough. Both are on the tail end of various knocks taken over the past two weeks, and Pineda is likely to give them as much rest as possible if his backups can afford him the luxury. United enter Wednesday’s game 5-1-3 in league play which finds them in third place in the Eastern Conference, two points out of first. They are unbeaten in their last four games (2-0-2).

In Open Cup play, Atlanta is coming off a tough 3-2 extra time loss to Nashville to knock them out of last year’s tournament, a match that saw them finally relinquish the title of US Open Cup champions. It was a title they held since 2019 and throughout the pandemic shutdown. Meanwhile, Memphis 901 was one-and-done last year (3-1 road loss vs. Chattanooga FC) and haven’t won a tournament game since their inaugural season in 2019 when they won a pair of games. One final piece to the puzzle, however, is Memphis 901’s goalkeeper Bill Hamid. The former DC United mainstay and 2013 US Open Cup champion, has always been a bit of a thorn in Atlanta’s side, and he’s suspected to be a vital player to thwart Atlanta’s high-flying attack.

Memphis 901 enter Wednesday’s game with a 1-2-2 record in league play which has them in eighth place in the West. They are unbeaten in their last four games (2-0-2) in all competitions.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

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

Atlanta United (MLS)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 8-3-0
Home: 6-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 4-1-0
Best finish: 2019 US Open Cup champions

Indy Eleven (USL-C) at Columbus Crew (MLS)
Lower.com Field – Columbus, OH
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Jason Herbert 

The Third Round of the 108th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup has arrived and as usual has set the background for some epic match-ups placing MLS sides against lower tier teams, hence the beauty of an open cup format. The Columbus Crew enter the competition Wednesday as they host local USL Championship team Indy Eleven at Lower.com Field. This marks only the second ever tie between the clubs as they have only faced each other previously in a 2014 Fourth Round match that saw the Crew prevail with a 112th-minute winner to win, 2-1.

The Columbus Crew come into the US Open Cup on the rise as they are under first year head coach Wilfried Nancy. Nancy has seemingly changed the culture in Columbus by creating an intense, high-pressing team that has also given the likes of many young players new opportunities. Both Alex Matan and Aidan Morris have reaped the benefits of these opportunities as Matan has become an early season stamp in the lineup while Morris has used his opportunity to lead the team in scoring out of the midfield and also earn a national team call up. Crew fans also know that a certain Lucas Zelarayan continues to provide the creative drive within the team’s attack not only through the run of play but also on set pieces.

As for Indy Eleven, they enter the match in Columbus still searching to find their form. The Eleven come into the game 1-3-2 in USL play with a recent loss on Saturday to Monterey Bay that now places them in eighth place in the USL Championship. They are led by Solomon Asante who has bagged one goal and one assist for the side who have only tallied four goals on the season so far in USL play. However, Indy Eleven do have one cup win under their belt as they needed extra time to edge the defending NISA champs Michigan Stars, 3-1.

History tells us that the US Open Cup has favored the MLS side as the Crew are 23-17-3 overall in cup play with one US Open Cup in their trophy case from 2002, along with two additional final appearances in 1998 and 2010. The Indy Eleven have made it to the Fourth Round twice in their history (2014, 2016) while only facing MLS sides on a total of three occasions. While this may seem like business as usual, we would be remiss to not mention the early exit last year handed to the Crew when they traveled to Detroit City. Once again this sets the stage for the magic of the 108th Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Indy Eleven (USL-C)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-6-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 0-4-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 0-1-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014, 2016)

Columbus Crew (MLS)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 23-17-3 (0-3 PK)
Home: 15-6-2 (0-2 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 7-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: 2022 US Open Cup champions

Richmond Kickers (USL-1) at D.C. United (MLS)
Audi Field – Washington, D.C.
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: RADIO ONLY

By Jordan Beech

The Richmond Kickers will travel to Audi Field in the nation’s capitol to face DC United in Third Round action. A return trip to the Round of 32 for either team is up for grabs with a win. This is the seventh all-time meeting between the two rivals in Open Cup play. Only the Sounders and the Timbers (8) have had more Open Cup meetings in the Modern Era (1995-present). But this is the first time the two teams have met in a decade. The last time they played was in 2013 when DC United needed penalty kicks to eliminate the Kickers in Richmond. United would move on to beat four straight MLS opponents to win the tournament.

Richmond, repping USL League One, reached the Third Round after squeaking past Second Round opponent Cleveland SC, 3-2. Emiliano Terzaghi, a three-time USL League One MVP, recorded two goals and assisted on a third to secure the Kickers’ passage into the next round. The Kickers will be hoping for better fortunes against MLS opposition in 2023 after bowing out against Charlotte FC, 5-1, in the Round of 32 last year. The 1995 US Open Cup champs are no stranger to MLS upsets. They have five on their resume, with one of them being against DC United (2004 Fourth Round)

Sporting a 3-4-2 record this season, United enter Wednesday’s affair looking for a third straight win across all competitions after dropping Orlando 3-1 over the weekend. DC United advanced to the Round of 32 last year after beating Flower City Union before being bounced out by the New York Red Bulls. Three-time winners of the Open Cup, DCU hasn’t lifted the Dewar Cup in a decade. In fact, they haven’t won multiple games in a single tournament since lifting the cup in 2013. 

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 34-20-4 (2-2 PK)
Away: 7-11-3 (2-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 5-14-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: 1995 US Open Cup champions

D.C. United (MLS)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 34-15-7 (3-4 PK)
Home: 24-7-4 (1-3 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 10-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 1996, 2008, 2013 US Open Cup champions

Inter Miami CF (MLS) at Miami FC (USL-C)
FIU Stadium – Miami, FL
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo

By Lee Ifans

It’s a Third Round rematch in South Florida for Miami FC and Inter Miami CF, who met at this stage in last year’s competition. That time the MLS side advanced 1-0 thanks to a late goal by Leonardo Campana. After a 3-1 win over South Georgia Tormenta (USL-1), Inter’s inaugural Cup run would end in Round 5 with a penalty kick loss on the road to the eventual champs, Orlando City SC.

Miami FC made it through a tricky Second Round tie vs Jacksonville Armada U-23s to get another shot at the new kids on the block. The 3-1 final score was somewhat flattering as the Armada took the lead. Claudio Repetto was the hero for Miami, coming off the bench to score a brace that proved to be the difference between the two sides. Miami FC defender Curtis Thorn was sent off for two bookable offenses in that game and will be unavailable for selection. Inter Miami should be close to full strength with the exception of Gregore who has a long term injury.

An Open Cup encounter between these near neighbors will be a welcome distraction for both sets of fans. Miami FC and Inter Miami have had poor starts to their league campaigns. Inter enters Wednesday with a 2-6-0 record, putting them second from the bottom. Inter has lost six straight games, with five of them by a single goal. Miami FC is 1-2-4, which is good for sixth place in the Eastern Conference. A bumper crowd is expected at FIU. Bragging rights and the chance to kick start faltering seasons are on the line, as well as a place in the next round.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Inter Miami CF (MLS)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 1-0-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 1-0-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2022)

Miami FC (USL-C)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 8-5-0
Home: 6-5-0
vs. MLS: 2-1-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2017)

Houston Dynamo (MLS) at Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C)
Al Lang Stadium – St. Petersburg, FL
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By James Knowles (@RBLRJamesK)

The Third Round of the US Open Cup continues as Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo travel to Florida’s west coast to take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL Championship. Al Lang Stadium will play host to a top tier club in a competitive setting for the first time since 2013. Back then, the Rowdies defeated the Seattle Sounders 1-0, which was a significant upset because it denied Seattle a chance to be the first club in tournament history to win four straight Open Cup titles.

Pulling off another upset will be more difficult than even the optics suggest. Each club is on a different trajectory in their season and form will probably play a role. The Rowdies are regularly playoff contenders – if they’re not competing for the top of their conference and the league table. Instead, at the moment, they are outside the playoff spots with only five points from seven games. Their only win on the season came at home to a team currently two places below them in the East, which followed their first win of the year against Nona FC in the Second Round of the Open Cup.

Houston, on the other hand, are well within the MLS playoff places with thirteen points from eight games. Their four wins on the season all came at home, with the only point the Dynamo have earned on the road coming against struggling New York Red Bulls in Harrison, N.J. This may lend the slightest bit of hope to a team from Tampa Bay still reeling from multiple dropped points in close games.

One question leading into this match is how seriously Houston will take things. In 2022, the Dynamo played their first Open Cup game against Rio Grande Valley Toros, using a mostly second string group to start. New coach Ben Olsen may want to shore up his bona fides to the local fan base by avoiding the dreaded Upset; or, possibly, he will look upon this game as a chance to give some younger players a run out. 

The Rowdies have in the past lined up with a strong XI against MLS teams in the Open Cup. One need only look to the 2022 Third Round when they came up against another Florida club with some rivalrous history: Orlando City. This match eventually became chippy, with head coach Neill Collins getting sent off for his conduct.

While Houston, the 2018 US Open Cup champions, may not share a similar enmity, lower division clubs will often look to these occasions to prove their mettle. With a home crowd starved for success behind them, the Green and Gold will hope they can overcome the bright Orange from across the Gulf. The Dynamo will be hoping their quality shines through and they are able to overcome the Spirit of the Underdog to move onto the next round.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Houston Dynamo (MLS)
15th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 19-12-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 3-7-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 7-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: 2018 US Open Cup champions

Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C)
11th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 9-10-0
Home: 6-1-0
vs. MLS: 1-4-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2013, 2016)

Chattanooga FC (NISA) at Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
Alabama Soccer Stadium – Tuscaloosa, AL
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Jordan Beech

In one of the few matches not featuring a first division side, Chattanooga FC travels to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to take on Birmingham Legion FC on Wednesday night. At stake, each club’s first-ever trip to the Round of 32.

Chattanooga FC reached the Third Round for the fifth time in club history after dispatching the Des Moines Menace, 4-1. In the club’s first road win in the cup competition, Chattanooga used a balanced approach that saw four different players find the back of the net against an outclassed host. Chattanooga won their first tournament game in six years with a 3-1 home win over Memphis 901 FC (USL-C), before falling to Atlanta United (MLS) 6-0 in the Third Round.

Chattanooga enters Wednesday’s game sitting atop the NISA standings with a 3-0-0 record. They have yet to allow a goal in league play with shutout wins over Gold Star Detroit (3-0), AlBION San Diego (5-0) and Flower City Union (1-0).

Birmingham Legion will face their second Chattanooga-based foe in as many rounds after beating the Red Wolves, 4-1. Former U.S. international Juan Agudelo did the heavy lifting with a brace as Collin Smith and Diba Nwegbo contributed goals as well in the winning effort. Legion will be without Grayson Dupont, who was sent off in the 55th minute of the Second Round match after receiving a second yellow card. Birmingham is looking to win back-to-back games in the tournament for the first time in their brief team history. In 2019 and 2022, they won their opening game before getting eliminated in the following round.

The Legion have gotten off to a good start in league play with a 4-2-1 record. They sit in second place in the Eastern Conference standings. They are coming off a 2-1 road win over Orange County SC, which snapped a two-game losing streak.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Chattanooga FC (NISA)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-6-4 (3-1 PK)
Away: 1-3-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 1-2-0
Best finish: Third Round (2014, 2015, 2016, 2022)

Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-2-0
Home: 2-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 1-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2019, 2022)

Chicago House AC (USASA/Midwest PL) at Chicago Fire (MLS)
SeatGeek Stadium – Bridgeview, IL
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Team Website

By Jordan Beech

In a second-straight matchup between Peter Wilt-created clubs, Chicago House AC heads to SeatGeek Stadium to take on the Fire in a Chicago Derby. The matchup is one of two in the Third Round that sees an MLS side share the field with amateurs set on notching a “cupset”.

House reached the Third Round after a gutsy performance against USL League One’s Forward Madison. Down 2-1 and entering the final 15 minutes, Chicago forced extra time after captain AR Smith tied the match in the dying embers of stoppage time. Smith then bagged his brace in the first extra time period as the Midwest Premier League side held on to secure a Cupset. It was just the second time in the Modern Era (1995-present) that an amateur team had overcome a 2-goal deficit and defeated a pro team. AR Smith was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round for his performance.

Chicago House have a chance to win the $25,000 prize money as the amateur team that advances the farthest. If they win and Tulsa Athletic loses to Sporting Kansas City, Chicago will take home the prize money. If both amateur teams lose, Tulsa would also win $25,000 on a tiebreaker. If both teams are eliminated and Chicago House is eliminated by penalty kicks, Chicago would take the prize money on a tiebreaker.

The Fire are no strangers to the Open Cup. They are one of eight teams in tournament history to lift the trophy four times. They’ve been tricky for opponents to navigate this month, going unbeaten in April in league play. However, the club is searching for its first Open Cup title since 2006. No team in the 108-year history of the competition has more Semifinal appearances than the Fire (13), but they have bowed out in the opening match in each of the last two years. This is just the second time in club history that they have done that (2009 & 2010). They will look to snap that streak on Wednesday night in a stadium the club used to call home. Losing at home is something the Fire rarely do in this competition. They enter Wednesday’s contest 26-1-3 (1-2 PKs) all-time in front of their home fans. At SeatGeek Stadium specifically, they are 17-1-2 (1-1 PKs) all-time in Open Cup play. Overall, the Fire are currently riding a 10-game home unbeaten streak. Their last home game at Soldier Field in 2022 finished in a 2-2 draw with Union Omaha (USL-1), but they were eliminated 5-4 in penalty kicks.  

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Chicago House AC (USASA/Midwest PL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Chicago Fire (MLS)
24th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 42-16-7 (4-3 PK)
Home: 26-1-3 (1-2 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 1-1-0
Best finish: 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006 US Open Cup champions

San Antonio FC (USL-C) at Nashville SC (MLS)
GEODIS Park – Nashville, TN
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Jordan Beech

A year removed from playing giant killers in a 2-1 win over Austin FC (MLS), San Antonio FC will  be looking for similar fortunes as they travel to Tennessee for a Music City showdown with Nashville SC.

In the Second Round this year, San Antonio used a team largely composed of players from their youth academy to scrape out a 2-1 win over NISA’s Club de Lyon in extra time. Teenager Roman Holt converted from the spot in the 95th minute to secure victory for the USL Championship outfit. With a win on Wednesday, SAFC reach the Round of 32 for the second straight season. San Antonio are off to a positive start in league play with a 3-1-3 record, which has them in fourth place in the Western Conference. They enter the game without a win in their last three league games (0-1-2). 

Nashville SC has been up and down to start the MLS season, going 3-3-3 and struggling to string wins together. Last season, NSC made it to the US Open Cup Quarterfinals following wins over Atlanta United FC and Louisville City FC before ultimately falling to Orlando City SC, 1-1 (6-5).

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

San Antonio FC (USL-C)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 8-4-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 3-3-1 (0-1 PK) 
vs. MLS: 1-3-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2016, 2018, 2022)

Nashville SC (MLS)
4th US Open Cup appearance (2nd as MLS team)
Overall: 6-1-2 (0-2 PK) | 2-0-1 (0-1 PK) as MLS
Home: 5-0-1 (0-1 PK) | 1-0-0 as MLS
vs. Div. 2: 1-1-0 | 1-0-0 as MLS
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2022)

Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1) at Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park – Commerce City, CO
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube (link coming soon)

By Jordan Beech

It’s a battle for Centennial State supremacy as Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC visits Dick’s Sporting Goods Park to take on the Colorado Rapids in Third Round action. Northern Colorado are looking for their second Cupset in as many matches. While the Rapids are looking to leave the past behind them and make new memories when it comes to the US Open Cup. 

A pair of goals in extra time lifted the Hailstorm over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC of the USL Championship in the Second Round. After entering extra time knotted up at 1-1, Donald Benamna broke the deadlock before Marky Hernández put the finishing touches on Northern Colorado’s second-straight Open Cup triumph over Colorado Springs. A win on Wednesday would see Northern Colorado through to the Round of 32 for the first time in the club’s young history. The Hailstorm are not likely to be intimidated by playing a MLS side on the road. Last year, in their inaugural Open Cup run, they upset Real Salt Lake 1-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium. Northern Colorado’s only shot on goal went in that day and it was enough to pull off the upset.

The Hailstorm have yet to lose in league play after three games (1-0-2). They are in sixth place in the table with a few games in hand over most teams in the league.

Opposite of Northern Colorado are the Rapids, unbeaten in their last four matches but still sitting in 11th in MLS’s Western Conference. Though they’ve never lifted the Dewar Cup, the Rapids have enjoyed success in the competition, but that was a long time ago. They were runners up in 1999, falling to the Rochester Rhinos at Crew Stadium. Since that night in 1999 that saw the first lower division team win the Open Cup in the Modern Era, the Rapids have struggled. They haven’t won multiple games in a single tournament since that 1999 US Open Cup run. That’s a total of 17 tournaments in a row with 1 or fewer wins, the longest streak of its kind in the Modern Era. They have been “one-and-done” in each of the last three tournaments. 

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-1-0
Away: 3-1-0
vs. MLS: 1-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)

Colorado Rapids (MLS)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 13-19-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 7-1-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 3-2-0
Best finish: 1999 Runner-Up

Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C) at New Mexico United (USL-C)
Isotopes Park – Albuquerque, NM
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube (link coming soon)

By Jordan Beech

A Southwest grudge match is on the docket as the Third Round sees New Mexico United play host to Phoenix Rising FC. A replay of the 2022 Third Round matchup, Phoenix used goals from Joey Calistri and a late winner from Greg Hurst to knock out New Mexico in that game.

Carlos Harvey lifted PRFC over Greenville Triumph SC in the Second Round. His goal in the 21st minute of play proved decisive as the Phoenix defense stood tall to secure the clean sheet. A win on Wednesday would see Phoenix through to the Round of 32 for the second time in as many seasons, matching the club’s best finish in the competition.

Phoenix are 1-1-4 in league play which is good for eighth place in the Western Conference. Including the Greenville win in the Open Cup, Rising are unbeaten (2-0-3) in the club’s last five matches.

New Mexico United made short work of the UPSL’s UDA Soccer in the opening round. Josh Dolling notched a hat trick, while Jose Ariel Sosa, Justin Protillo and Daniel Bruce also got in on the action in a 6-0 win. The win saw United advance for the first time since the club’s inaugural cup run in 2019 season when United made it all the way to the Quarterfinals.

United have struggled in the early USL Championship season with a 1-3-1 record, which is tied for last place in the West. Their only league win was a 1-0 road win over Miami FC on March 18.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-5-2 (0-2 PK)
Away: 3-1-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 1-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014, 2022)

New Mexico United (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-2-2 (2-0 PK)
Home: 2-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2019)

Real Salt Lake (MLS) at Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)
Cashman Field – Las Vegas, NV
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: KSL Sports

By Jordan Beech

Sin City’s Las Vegas Lights FC plays host to Real Salt Lake in one of just five matches in the Third Round that sees a first division side play on the road. A win for Las Vegas will secure the club’s first trip to the Round of 32, as well as victory in its first-ever meeting with a MLS side. While Real Salt Lake will be looking to erase the memories of last year’s early exit.

Las Vegas punched their ticket to the Third Round after a dominating 4-0 win over LA Force – the Lights’ first-ever win over a professional team in the Open Cup. Azriel González bagged a brace, while Zach Carroll and Erick Torres both found the back of the net as well. Last year, they were one-and-done against FC Tucson (USL League One) and the first two trips to the tournament saw them eliminated by amateur teams.

Las Vegas are the only team in USL Championship to not taste victory in league play. But they have at least earned points from their first five games, 0-1-4.

Real Salt Lake have been a bit up and down this season, entering Wednesday’s match with a 2-2-0 record in April across all contests. Jefferson Savarino leads RSL with three goals this season in seven matches played. The Claret and Cobalt are hoping for a better tournament in 2023 after falling 1-0 at home to Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in the Third Round in 2022.

RSL has struggled in the US Open Cup in recent years. They are currently riding a seven-game winless streak, which is the longest of the Modern Era (1995-present). The last time they advanced was in the Fourth Round in 2016 when they eliminated the Wilmington Hammerheads in 2016. The last regulation win came in the 2015 Quarterfinals when they beat the LA Galaxy.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Real Salt Lake (MLS)
13th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 9-11-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 0-5-0
vs. Div. 2: 3-4-0
Best finish: 2013 Runner-Up

Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)
4th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-3-0
Home: 3-1-0
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2018, 2019)

Oakland Roots SC (USL-C) at Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
Heart Health Park – Sacramento, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By William Hodges 

While two Northern California NBA teams will be competing across town on the hardwood on Wednesday night (Kings vs Warriors, Game 5), another regional matchup will be taking place at Heart Health Park between host Sacramento Republic FC and Oakland Roots SC. 

The Roots come into Wednesday’s match after defeating 1993 Open Cup champion El Farolito 3-1 behind Johnny Rodriguez’s goal and assist. It was the club’s first Open Cup win. Republic FC was able to survive and advance to the Third Round after a wild 5-4 extra time win over a relentless Crossfire Redmond side that featured a flurry of goals in extra time. Republic defender Aldair Sanchez made quite the splash in his first professional start and first Open Cup match, logging 120 minutes and contributing two critical assists in the 80th and 85th minute to send the game to extra time. 

Sacramento are currently one of two teams in the USL Championship who have yet to taste defeat. Republic FC is 5-0-2 and with 13 goals scored in their first 7 games, they are the second-best scoring team in the league. They are led offensively by the one-two punch of new signing Russell Cicerone and Luis Felipe who have four goals scored each.

Sacramento is coming off an incredible Open Cup run last year that saw them advance all the way to the championship game. They became just the second lower division team in history to eliminate three or more MLS teams in the same tournament when they knocked off San Jose, LA Galaxy and Sporting Kansas City. They reached the Final where they fell 3-0 on the road to Orlando City SC. They enter tonight’s game riding a 13-game home unbeaten streak which is the second-longest streak of its kind in the Modern Era.

Oakland is 2-3-1 so far in league play, currently in seventh place. They have lost their last two league games.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Oakland Roots SC (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 19-6-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 17-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 5-0-0
Best finish: 2022 Runner-Up

San Diego Loyal (USL-C) at Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Starfire Sports – Tukwila, WA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Jordan Beech and Tyler Chott

One of the most successful teams in the Open Cup’s modern era enters the fray as Seattle Sounders FC – winners of four Open Cups – welcomes San Diego Loyal to the Starfire Sports Stadium for a Third Round meeting. It is a stadium that Seattle has advanced in 23 of the last 24 games. 

San Diego reached the Third Round after dispatching their NISA neighbors, Albion San Diego, 2-0. Charlie Adams opened the scoring from the spot in the 27th minute before Evan Conway doubled the advantage in the second half. A win over Seattle would be San Diego’s first over an MLS side in the cup competition, and mark the club’s furthest advancement in the tournament.

After a year of struggles, Seattle is flexing their muscles once again. Boasting a 6-2-1 record in MLS play in 2023, Seattle is averaging nearly two goals per match this season. Last year, the Sounders bowed out in the Round of 32 – their debut round – after falling to the San Jose Earthquakes 10-9 in penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw.

In the Sounders locker room after dispatching Minnesota, coach Brian Schmetzer reminded his team that…

“…we’re going to put a renewed emphasis on the Open Cup. There’s guys that want to play and I might let them play. I’m telling you we’re gonna try and do well in this tournament. because it’s important. every f*cking game is important…”

It was difficult to see who Schmetzer was pointing at when mentioning that there are guys who want to play. It was likely players like Sota Kitahara, Ethan Dobbelaere, Danny Leyva and Reed Baker-Whiting.  All of whom were on the bench with the first team and didn’t travel with the sounders MLS Next pro team who had a game in Houston. The only member of the Sounders young talent that did get a run out was Dylan Teves and he showed well enough that Schmetzer mentioned the good job he did after the game.  If history is any guide we can expect to see this group on the field at Starfire on Wednesday

San Diego began play in the USL Championship in 2020.  They were coached and currently owned by US National Team legend Landon Donovan. Seattle native and former Sounder, Deandre Yedlin is also a part owner of the team. They feature a few notable players including Joe Corona who is a former national team player and played 47 games with the LA Galaxy.  Blake Bodily was a good college player for the UW Huskies.

They played on Sunday night in what is the first of three for San Diego in the next seven days. Miller’s team heads to the Pacific Northwest Wednesday for a match against the Sounders FC and then will play another league game on Saturday.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

San Diego Loyal (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Away: 1-1-0
vs. MLS: 0-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)

Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
25th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 36-17-7 (4-3 PK) | 21-6-5 (3-2 PK) as MLS
Home: 28-4-3 (2-1 PK) | 17-2-2 (1-1 PK) as MLS
vs. Div. 2: 4-3-2 (1-1 PK) | 3-2-0
Best finish: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014 US Open Cup champions

Orange County SC (USL-C) at Portland Timbers (MLS)
Providence Park – Portland, OR
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo

By Wendy Pintor

Orange County Soccer Club qualifies into the Third Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt Open Cup, coming in strong after defeating amateur side Capistrano FC in Round 2. It was a 5-0 win over the NISA Nation side that remarkably looked easier than predicted.

But unfortunately they will re-join the Open Cup after a 1-0 loss in league play to Indy Eleven this past weekend. After falling short at home, it leaves them in ninth place. They could face a younger, more inexperienced Portland team on Wednesday night. Regardless, it will be a huge test for Orange County.

After a 5-2 win over LA Force FC (NISA), Orange County stepped into the third round last year, but were defeated by a ruthless LAFC side. OCSC took the loss quickly as they ended without a chance to come back from a 5-1 deficit at the Banc of California Stadium. This also cut the dreams short for the team and the representation of the league to move on into the Fourth Round. Even with the addition of new young recruit Ben Norris, Orange County will face a big challenge in facing the Portland Timbers on the road. It remains to be seen if the Timbers will put out their full squad for the midweek Open Cup match.

After matching their deepest run in the tournament in 2019 (Semifinals), the Timbers were one-and-done in last year’s tournament, falling 2-0 to LAFC. Portland is seeking its first Open Cup trophy in hopes of erasing painful memories. The Timbers have twice suffered upset losses to amateur sides. Hollywood United beat them when they were a USL team in 2008, and Cal FC famously knocked them off in 2012.

The Timbers come out of the gate slowly, starting league play with a 2-5-2 record, which puts them in 10th place. This past Saturday, they suffered a 2-1 road loss to FC Cincinnati.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Orange County SC (USL-C)
11th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-8-2 (0-2 PK)
Away: 3-5-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 0-4-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2017)

Portland Timbers (MLS)
17th US Open Cup appearance (10th as MLS team)
Overall: 19-15-1 (0-1 PK) | 12-9-0
Home: 9-6-1 (0-1  PK) | 7-2-0
vs. Div. 2: 2-2-0
Best finish: Semifinals (2013, 2019)

 

 

 

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: AR Smith Jr of Chicago House voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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AR Smith of Chicago House AC was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round for the Second Round of the 2023 US Open Cup.
AR Smith Jr of Chicago House AC was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round for the Second Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Szymon Raczkowiak

“AR (Smith Jr) is the heartbeat of this team.” – Chicago House AC coach Matt Poland

Some 638 players stepped on the field in the Second Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, and by the time Midwest Premier League’s (MWPL) Chicago House kicked off against USL League One side Forward Madison on April 11, 616 had already played. It would take something incredibly special on that beautiful early Spring night at Madison, Wisconsin’s Breese Stevens Field to earn the title of TheCup.us Player of the Round. But Chicago House’s Anthony Ray Smith Jr., or “AR Smith” as he is commonly known, is an exceptional person.

The Player of the Round 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. Smith ran away with the award, earning 56% of first-place votes. Darwin Espinal (Maryland Bobcats FC), finished a distant second, with Elvis Amoh (Hartford Athletic) and Russell Cicerrone (Sacramento Republic FC) finished tied for third place.

Chicago House AC started as a third-division National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) professional team in the summer of 2021. AR Smith was on the roster for that first season. A local Chicago player, Smith didn’t play a central role on the field in that first season, but his commitment and leadership qualities were clear to all who worked with the team. As House moved from NISA to amateur status in the MWPL, and many House players moved on to other opportunities, Smith, along with Joliet native Daman Almazon, stuck around and Chicago House has thrived because of their involvement.

AR Smith of Chicago House AC. Photo: Szymon Raczkowiak
AR Smith of Chicago House AC. Photo: Szymon Raczkowiak

House’s amateur status meant that entrance into the US Open Cup proper required them to earn a spot via the Open Division Local qualifying tournament. House’s journey took them from their home in Chicago, where they won a penalty shootout after scoring a stoppage time equalizer vs. 1927 SC (Fort Wayne, Ind.), before moving on to beat the UPSL’s Metro Louisville 2-1. Then, they qualified for the tournament for the first time with an 8-7 shootout marathon against Brockton FC in Randolph, Mass. after a 1-1 draw. House’s First Round proper was a home match against fellow MWPL amateurs Bavarian United of Milwaukee, where they held on for a 1-0 win. As captain, Smith was an emotional leader on the field and behind the scenes.

The House’s win over the Bavarians set up a Second Round showdown with professional side Forward Madison (USL League One), and for the first 74 minutes, the Wisconsin pros had their way. They controlled the ball, created numerous opportunities, finished two clear chances and, to the Madison faithful, it looked as if House were satisfied with their Cup qualification achievement. However, as many soccer fans know, a 2-0 lead can be very deceptive, and when there are players on the field with the quality of House’s FA Cup alum Adam Mann and a natural leader like Smith, no lead is ever completely safe.

“Being one of the older guys and most experienced, I just tried to keep calm in the locker room at half time,” said Smith, who played his college ball at Butler University. “I was telling players to enjoy the moment win or lose. I explained to them that it’s a 90 minute game no matter what and we have to stick to our standards and our game plan for 90 minutes. The team that does that, increases their chances of winning. I’ve seen it happen over and over again and when I was a young guy playing at the highest levels, that’s how the older players and captains helped keep me calm in the big games.”

Mann took a feed from Ricardo Avalos, who had taken advantage of a Madison mistake at the back and gave House a glimmer of hope in the 75th minute with a sharp finish. The game, though, continued to favor Madison. As the clock passed 90 minutes, it looked as if the Flock (Madison’s supporters) would go home satisfied. In stoppage time, however, was when Smith, who had been working tirelessly, stepped up. Smith’s pressure at the top of the box forced another Madison miscue. 16 yards from goal, with the ball at his feet, Smith showed the cool confidence of a seasoned veteran as his one-time right-footed half-volley hit the back of the net to tie the game.

House hung on for the final minutes of regular time, and given their previous success in penalty kick shootouts, it seemed House might be content to get through extra time tied and settle things the PK route again. Smith, though, had other ideas. Rallying his team, House did not sit back but pressed Madison in the first extra time period. In the 103rd minute, House forward Nico Williams made a driving run down the left side to the endline, stuck with it when pressured by Madison defenders, and put in a cross that Madison keeper Bernd Schipmann pushed to the top of the box directly into the path of Chicago’s Alejandro Mentasi. Mentasi’s shot looked to be going well wide of goal, but there, at the exact right place and time, was Smith. He settled Mentasi’s drive with his left foot, stepped away from goal toward the corner of the six-yard box, and slotted home with his left to put House up 3-2 with 17 minutes of extra time remaining.

“After the second goal, I was happy but didn’t really get a chance to embrace it because I knew we still had another half to play,” said Smith. “If I’m being honest, I still haven’t ‘celebrated’ that accomplishment. It’s a tournament and my two goals allowed us to win one game in the tournament and I thank the heavenly father Yahweh for allowing me to score, but we still got work to do.”

It was during these final minutes that the intangibles which define a leader showed through as Smith, who has played every minute of every House match in this Open Cup run, pushed his teammates toward victory. He marked Madison’s most dangerous players on late set pieces, provided directions to House’s younger players, and despite clear exhaustion after more than 100 minutes of tense play, provided calm in the middle of the field until the final whistle blew for the unlikely Cupset. The victory was even more special because it earned the amateur side a date with Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire FC in Round 3.

“It doesn’t get any bigger than an Open Cup championship. A championship in this tournament, shows that you’re the best team in all of America,” said Smith. “It also shows the progress in development of the soccer world across the country because more and more amateur teams make statements each year. For me personally, it’s just another game. I’ve played at really high levels in my career and proven to myself a long time ago that I can play and compete at those levels. I play with the House by choice. The way I’ll prepare for this game is the same way I’d prepare for a Sunday league game. There’s no added pressure, I’m going to go out there and play my best and have fun while doing it.”

The next round will be a little extra special for Smith as he grew up in the Fire organization and was born and raised in Chicago.

“I know a lot of those players and the coaching staff. We still play small sided pick up in off season and things like that so it’ll be fun for sure,” said Smith, who spent time playing professionally in Sweden, Spain, and Mexico before signing with Chicago. “As far as the team is concerned, I think it’s a huge opportunity for the organization as well as younger players who haven’t necessarily had the chance yet to play at a level like this. It’s hard to talk about it at practice and tell players that may think they are ‘good enough’ that there’s a whole another level of precision, mentality, and athleticism at the next level. Chicago House shouldn’t be the end goal for the younger guys on the team and this game will show who’s ready and who’s not. We aren’t scared, we are more so excited for the opportunity. The match starts 0-0 and we play for 90 minutes minimum. We are going to give it all we got win or lose and represent the crest in the most positive way possible.”

With the win, Chicago House became just the second amateur team in the Modern Era (1995-present) to come back from two goals down to beat a professional team.

“I am extremely happy for AR for being recognized for all he has done,” said Chicago House AC head coach Matt Poland. “He would tell you it is the team’s doing and wouldn’t take any of the credit for himself, but what he has done as a leader of this team is remarkable. The standards he holds of professionalism and obviously his individual play has been a joy to watch throughout the tournament. He deserves to be recognized for what he does both on and off the field for this club.”

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Chicago House pulls off rare comeback in upset of Forward Madison

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Adam Mann (left) and Naz Kabbani of Chicago House AC celebrate after defeating Forward Madison in the Second Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Chuck Carlson
Adam Mann (left) and Naz Kabbani of Chicago House AC celebrate after defeating Forward Madison in the Second Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Chuck Carlson

There was a “cupset” was in Wisconsin on Tuesday evening as Chicago House AC advanced to the Third Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after defeating USL League One’s Forward Madison FC 3-2 in extra time.

The Chicago-based Midwest Premier League club traveled to Madison, Wisc. and pulled off the rare comeback despite being two goals down after 74 minutes of play. In the Modern Era (1995-present) of the tournament, this marks just the second time that an amateur team has come back from a two-goal deficit to defeat a professional team. (Laredo Heat beat Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the Third Round of 2014 US Open Cup)

With the win, they earn a date with the Chicago Fire of MLS in Round 3.

Forward Madison jumped ahead early in the contest after repeated spells of possession when Jayden Onen’s strike from across the penalty area found the back of the net in the 19th minute.

It was looking bleak for Chicago after that goal was scored as Madison continued to attack the visitors’ net. Despite the repeated ‘Mingo attempts on goal, House’s keeper Tony Halterman was able to keep the match at a one-goal margin at halftime. House didn’t do much to help themselves offensively in the first half, taking just three shots – none of which were on target.

After halftime, it was more of the same from Madison. That came to a head in the 48th minute when Tino Vasquez connected on a solid strike that beat Halterman, giving Madison a
seemingly comfortable 2-0 lead at Breese Stevens Field. For Vasquez, it was the first professional goal for the 16-year-old, as he became the youngest goalscorer in Forward Madison history.

But just as the sun was setting in Madison, Chicago House awoke from their in-match slumber. It started in the 75th minute when House’s Ricardo Avalos turned Madison over in their own half. He turned to his left and found Adam Mann making a run toward goal. Mann collected the pass and beat Madison keeper Bernd Schipmann, giving his team a sliver of hope with 15 minutes remaining. The goal was Mann’s first in a Chicago House uniform, having joined the club last year.

Madison managed to maintain a bit more possession as the match entered stoppage time. That was until Chicago House captain AR Smith put the team on his back. Smith collected the ball in the penalty area with two defenders surrounding him in the second minute of stoppage time. He created enough space to get his shot off and it was enough to beat the keeper, tying the match at two.

Below this is video

Chicago House celebration ???? pic.twitter.com/JAHPexGQEd

— Joe Chatz (@JoeChatz) April 12, 2023

In stoppage time, it looked like Madison were about to re-take the lead in the 94th minute when two of their attempts on goal were successively saved by a sprawling Halterman.

Then, in the 103rd minute, the Open Cup magic came out again. House substitute Alejandro Mentasi had his shot from the top of the penalty area deflected perfectly to Smith, who took a moment to collect himself before scoring the match-winner, which ultimately would send House to a Chicago Derby in the Third Round.

“This is incredible,” said Halterman post-match. “I’m honestly speechless. I’m so stoked for these guys, for this organization. This is what we’ve been fighting for since the whole thing began, since this run began back in September. The dream has been to play against an MLS side and it’s coming to fruition. We get a Chicago derby.”

It will be a Chicago Derby on April 26 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Ill. when Chicago House will take on Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire. It will be another matchup between clubs that were

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Who should be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round?

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With 29 games (originally 30, but we had one forfeit), the Second Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup was the second-biggest round of the tournament’s Modern Era (1995-present). With that many games, and with plenty of competitive games, there were a lot of good 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 2 Review
 
Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):
 
Juan Agudelo
Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
 
 
Elvis Amoh
Hartford Athletic (USL-C)
 
Scored a hat trick in a 3-0 home win vs. Lansdowne Yonkers FC (EPSL).
 
Solomon Asante
Indy Eleven (USL-C)
 
After subbing in at the half, Asante assisted on the equalizer and the go-ahead goal in extra time in a 3-1 home win vs. Michigan Stars FC (NISA).
 
Russell Cicerone
Sacramento Republic (USL-C)
 
Cicerone scored the late equalizer and another goal in extra time in a 12-minute span to help fuel Republic’s 5-4 come from behind home win against Crossfire Premier (NPSL).
 
Josh Dolling
New Mexico United (USL-C)
 
Dolling scored a hat trick in a 6-0 home win vs. UDA Soccer (UPSL).
 
Stephen Elias
Flower City Union (NISA)
 
In a six-minute span in the first half, Elias scored two goals (opening goal and what would prove to be the game-winner) in a 3-1 home win over Manhattan SC (USL-2).
 
Darwin Espina
Maryland Bobcats (NISA)
 
Scored two goals and assisted on the goal on the final kick of the game in extra time in a 3-2 come-from-behind home win over the Ocean City Nor’easters (USL-2).
 
Azriel Gonzalez
Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)
 
Scored two goals in an eight-minute span in the first half in the Lights’ 4-0 home win vs. LA Force (NISA).
 
Mark Hernandez
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1)
 
Coming off the bench, Hernandez assisted on the go-ahead goal in extra time, and scored another in a 3-1 extra time road win over the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C).
 
Lucky Mkosana
Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C)
 
Mkosana assisted on the opening goal and scored another (both in the first half) in the Rowdies’ 2-0 home win over Nona FC (USL-2).
 
Wolfgang Prentice
Oakland Roots (USL-C)
 
Scored two goals in a eight-minute span in the first half in Oakland’s 3-1 home win over El Farolito (NPSL).
 
Bryson Reed
Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)
 
Made three saves and kept a clean sheet in Tulsa Athletic’s 1-0 home win vs. FC Tulsa (USL-C).
 
Claudio Repetto
Miami FC (USL-C)
 
After coming off the bench in the 64th minute, Repetto scored the go-ahead goal in the 82nd minute and then converted a penalty kick three minutes later to give Miami FC a 3-1 home win over Jacksonville Armada U-23s (NPSL).
 
Ryan Shellow
Detroit City FC (USL-C)
 
Made two saves and kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 home win vs. Gold Star Detroit (NISA).
 
AR Smith Jr.
Chicago House AC (USASA/Midwest Premier League)
 
Scored the stoppage-time equalizer before slotting home the game-winning goal in extra time in a 3-2 come-from-behind road win vs. Forward Madison FC (USL-1).
 
Emiliano Terzaghi
Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
 
Scored the team’s first and second goals (31′, 59′) and assisted on a third (which proved to be the game-winner) in a 3-2 home win vs. Cleveland SC (NPSL)

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Las Vegas Lights cruise into Round 3 with 4-0 win vs. LA Force

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Andre Zuluaga of the Las Vegas Lights makes a save against LA Force in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Las Vegas Lights
Andre Zuluaga of the Las Vegas Lights makes a save against LA Force in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Las Vegas Lights

Las Vegas Lights FC didn’t need any luck on Wednesday night, as the USL Championship club easily defeated LA Force FC (NISA) 4-0 in the Second Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

It was the third time in the team’s four US Open Cup appearances that they have won their opening game, but the first time they had defeated a professional opponent.

The game was played at Peter Johann Soccer Field on the campus of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) and fans of the home team didn’t have to wait long for the deadlock to be broken.

In the 16th minute, Azriel González lined up for a direct kick from the middle of the 18-yard box.  With the ball nearly resting on the chalk, González unleashed an absolute rocket directly into the lower left corner of the goal.  Cooly taken and cooly celebrated, the Las Vegas Lights were only getting started with their rout.

Less than ten minutes later, it was González again with the goal production. In the 23rd minute, he was able to get in behind the LA Force defense and slot the ball home to double the lead.  González would finish the match with a brace, but continued to threaten the goal every chance he could. His brace would also prove to be his first goals for the club across all competitions.

In the 37th minute, Justin Ingram used a magnificent one-touch shot to hammer the ball into the back of the net.  Ingram received a great set-up pass from Zach Carroll and left no doubt behind the shot. The goal was Ingram’s first goal for the Lights across all competitions, as well as Carroll collecting his first assist of the calendar year. The two sides would go to halftime with the Lights leading 3-0.

The second half seemed to echo the first half, but Las Vegas would wait until the 64th minute to extend their lead by another goal. Pablo Soares was able to connect with Erick Torres, who took a shot from the center of the box and placed the ball in the center of the net, too. Torres collected his first goal for the Lights this season and Soares earned his first assist of the season.  

Aside from the goal, the only other noteworthy event that took place in the second half was in the 55th minute when the Lights made three subs. The biggest was 2018 USL MVP Emmanuel Ledesma, who had been recently been signed by the club. He won the league MVP as a member of FC Cincinnati, a year before their move to Major League Soccer. After leaving Cincinnati, he played for a club in Finland (SJK), came back stateside to play with Indy Eleven (USL Championship) in 2021 before signing with Chilean club Barnechea.

With the result in hand, the Lights would play the remaining half hour without an additional goal, but would .  The win proved to be the first time the Lights advanced to the Third Round for the first time since 2019.

Lights goalkeeper Andre Zuluaga made his debut for the club, earning a clean sheet in his first career US Open Cup game.

For the LA Force it was the club’s second loss in as many US Open Cup game in club’s professional team history (their USL League Two team qualified three times from 2017-19). Both losses came on the road against USL Championship teams (last year, they lost at Orange County SC)

In the Third Round draw for the US Open Cup, Las Vegas learned that they will be hosting MLS club Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, April 26.  Kickoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET.

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