Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2024 US Open Cup

2024 US Open Cup Round 4: Seattle Sounders hold off upset-minded Louisville City with dramatic PK shootout win

by

Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Andy Thomas celebrates during a PK shootout vs. Louisville City in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Fiechtner - Sounders FC Communications
Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Andy Thomas celebrates during a PK shootout vs. Louisville City in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Fiechtner – Sounders FC Communications

The Seattle Sounders fielded a young but talented lineup against a tough Louisville City FC who played up a division but looked equal on the field. The night was a tale of two games, with 120 minutes of attacking action followed by the Andy Thomas show, Seattle’s goalkeeper who saved three penalties and scored the game winner himself, sending the Sounders into the Round of 16.

While the Sounders had a core of MLS veterans controlling the center of the pitch, Louisville City was able to work the channels and create an open, back and forth game. The match started fast, with Georgi Minoungou getting in behind for the Sounders in the first minute, and continued with both teams pressing the back lines all night.

Minoungou, who just made his debut for the Sounders last week, showed his skill and speed as a promising prospect on the wing. He was a focal point of the attack, with Sounders midfielder Danny Leyva noting after the game that they planned to go over the top of Louisville’s aggressive pivot and target Minoungou. He matched up on the same side as Wilson Harris of Louisville City who pushed back, connecting clever passes and dribbling through the Sounders lines in tight spaces.

Seattle native Paul Rothrock broke the game open in the 41st minute, scoring his third US Open Cup goal and first in all competitions this year. Minoungou had the assist, showing composure and picking out a difficult pass.

Coming out of halftime the Sounders midfield duo of Danny Leyva and Josh Atencio started to take over the game, linking possession and controlling the flow. After Sounders forward Danny Musovski earned a free kick 40 yards out in the 61st minute, Leyva hit an inch perfect ball that Musovski headed home to double their lead. Leyva was a clear leader on the field, playing a part in both goals and scoring a penalty, as well as directing the attack and moving guys into position throughout the night.

Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Andy Thomas makes a save during a PK shootout vs. Louisville City in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Fiechtner - Sounders FC Communications
Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Andy Thomas makes a save during a PK shootout vs. Louisville City in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Fiechtner – Sounders FC Communications

Louisville City pushed back immediately after the second goal, throwing numbers forward. Minutes later a Sounders handball in the box earned them a penalty, and Defender Sean Totsch calmly chipped it past Sounders GK Andrew Thomas.

Both teams refused to sit back, and in the 86th minute Louisville City halftime sub Jorge Gonzalez pounded home a well-earned rebound to send the game into extra time.

Neither team was able to break through in extra time as tired legs showed through, and the game felt destined for penalties. It ultimately went eight rounds, and after saving three penalties Sounders netminder Thomas called his own number. “I wanted to finish it myself”, he said after the game, noting that he felt he should have saved even more shots and the game should have already been over. “We prepare for all eventualities, and I was prepared for this.” he said. Coach Schmetzer added praise saying “We wanted him to take that kick, we wanted him to. He kicks the ball really hard.”

The Sounders hope this win will spark another US Open Cup run. After winning the tournament four of their first six years in MLS, the team has had a disappointing run of early exits recently. Seattle entered the 109th edition of the tournament having been “one-and-done” in four of the last five years and haven’t reached the Quarterfinals since 2016. The four-time champs will host Phoenix Rising FC in the next round the week of May 21-22.

2024 US Open Cup Round 4: New Mexico United adds another MLS upset to resume, 4-2 over Real Salt Lake

by

New Mexico United fans cheer on their team during a Fourth Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup against Real Salt Lake. Photo: Jacob Terrell - Somos Mas
New Mexico United fans cheer on their team during a Fourth Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup against Real Salt Lake. Photo: Jacob Terrell – Somos Mas

In a dramatic upset in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, lower-division side New Mexico United defeated Major League Soccer’s Western Conference leader Real Salt Lake 4-2. This result adds another chapter to the tournament’s history of unexpected outcomes and continues United’s history of beating MLS clubs in the tournament. 

Back in 2019, New Mexico eliminated a pair of MLS clubs, both on the road when they knocked off the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas.

While Real Salt Lake boasted some players with experience against New Mexico on their home pitch, United dominated possession early. Their strategy of attacking through the wings and targeting Daniel Bruce in the middle proved effective, forcing RSL into errors.

This pressure paid off in the 19th minute with two quick goals from Zico Bailey. The first originated from a Sergio Rivas pass that Bailey converted from outside the area, sneaking the ball past Gavin Beavers for the 1-0 lead.

Less than a minute later, Dayonn Harris intercepted a pass out of the back and found Bailey, who capitalized with a shot from nearly the same spot as the first. This time, he got more power behind the shot, and Beavers didn’t have a chance at a save.

Real Salt Lake finally responded before halftime with Fidel Barajas converting a goal from Nelson Palacio and Zavier Gozo. Barajas received the ball on the left wing off Gozo’s header before driving into the area and placing the shot across the face of the goal and into the side netting to cut the lead, 2-1. 

“Their first goal was a mentality moment,” New Mexico coach Eric Quill said. “It starts with a goal kick, and we missed two headers — two chances to win it. They win both of them, they get in behind us and score. That gives the opponent life. But we knew we were going to suffer some today. That’s such a quality team to play. We’re not going to consistently have seven consecutive passes against a quality side like that. We have to be willing to suffer but know how to get out of that stuff.”

Nicky Hernandez restored the two-goal advantage for United just before the halftime break with a long-range strike aided by Daniel Bruce. Much like Bailey, Hernandez favored the shot from distance in the fifth minute of stoppage time, lacing through the ball and drilling it into the back netting to take a 3-1 lead into the break.

The second half saw Real Salt Lake threaten again early on with a 49th-minute goal from Diego Luna, assisted by Anderson Julio. As with the goals in the first half, this one also came from outside the box, continuing the trend of the evening. 

The match became increasingly physical with several yellow cards shown, but neither side received a red card. A controversial moment arose when Real Salt Lake appeared to make a fourth substitution, exceeding the allowed limit.

But New Mexico United held on and secured the victory with a late goal from Jacobo Reyes. After subbing on late in the match, Reyes made his mark in the 85th minute. After Hernandez clanged another long-distance shot off the woodwork, Reyes gathered the rebound and slotted home a right-footed effort that sealed the win for United. 

“I don’t want to say I’m shocked, but I just marveled at the performance of the guys tonight,” said Quill. “How they came out; the goals we scored (were) just really nice goals. The resiliency — when we conceded — to come back and stay on top of the game. We showed a lot of character. That’s a great team that’s going to be near the top of the MLS, with a great coach in Pablo Masteroni. We have a lot of respect for that organization, and where they’re going. But tonight, we made it about us. We just had a moxie to us. It was evident. We got challenged at times, but each time with goals.”

New Mexico United advances to the Round of 16, where the USL Championship side will face NYCFC II the week of May 21-22.

2024 US Open Cup Round 4: Sporting KC escapes PKs with 120th min. winner vs. Union Omaha

by

Alan Pulido of Sporting KC dribbles the ball against Union Omaha in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting Kansas City
Alan Pulido of Sporting KC dribbles the ball against Union Omaha in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting Kansas City

Sporting Kansas City delivered history and heartbreak to Union Omaha as a 120th minute Alan Pulido strike pushed four-time Open Cup champions to a 2-1 victory on Wednesday night.

The match, which saw an MLS team play in Omaha for the first time, turned out to be physical and fast-paced as the hosts were not intimidated by the side in front of them. A first-half goal from Lagos Kunga was cancelled out by a second-half Marinos Tzionis tally, and the game appeared to be heading for another penalty shootout. A moment of chaos and brilliance from the Mexican forward, though, would deny the Owls the chance to take down another giant in PKs.

Coach Peter Vermes, in pregame comments, anticipated that this would “be a very tough game for us, and we’re not going to take it lightly.”

True to his word, the four-time Open Cup champions rolled out a strong lineup, with even more firepower on the bench. As expected, the opening minutes belonged to the visitors with several runs, pace up the wings, and some well-worked possession that left the Owls scrambling at the back at times. Despite this, Omaha’s back line found a way to divert the most dangerous attacks by staying compact and disciplined in front of keeper Rashid Nuhu. Despite the initial onslaught, Sporting was rarely able to get a clean look at goal for the first few minutes—a marked change from the clubs’ first meeting in the Open Cup two years ago when Sporting scored the first of six goals in the 10th minute.

In fact, it was the defense-minded hosts that would get into a dangerous position early on as in the 12th minute Union Omaha’s Pedro Dolabella sent a long ball in from midfield toward the box. With Aaròn Gòmez streaking past his man to get on the ball, Khiry Shelton made a challenge that clattered Gòmez and immediately drew shouts from the players and supporters for a penalty. Referee Nabil Bensalah would waive off those pleas, but the passage of play showed that Omaha was ready to counter quickly and decisively when the opportunities arose.

But Sporting continued to dominate possession, passing, and positioning as they forced Nuhu into action. The keeper was able to get a dive in on a shot from Filipe Hernandez before turning away a rocket from the club’s leading goalscorer Erik Thommy just a couple of minutes later.

The Owls would finally show their talons despite being on the back foot for most of the first half.  In the 31st minute, Dion Acoff took on Robert Voloder down the right side and managed to skip past him into the box. Cutting inside, Acoff attempted to center the ball for either Marco Milanese or Joe Gallardo, both waiting in the area. The play seemed broken when Gallardo couldn’t get a good touch on the ball, but it fell to Lagos Kunga who lasered a shot off of Sporting’s Kayden Pierre. The deflection left John Pulskamp no chance at a save, and Union Omaha took a very unlikely 1-0 lead.

Sporting would continue their own attacks, getting an open header from William Agada as well as a dangerous chance from Zorfan Bassong, but Union Omaha stayed disciplined at the back and had an answer for every question asked of them until halftime.

That would change not three minutes after the break as Marianos Tzionis would find an equalizer off a forced turnover in the attacking half.  Pedro Dolabella was trying to find an outlet pass when Tzionis managed to turn the midfielder and take the ball off him. A darting run put the Cyprus international at the top of the box with an opening to shoot. Though he didn’t get the ball cleanly, he’d done just enough to put Nuhu off and unable to recover. The scuffed shot went off the post and rolled in over the line to even the score.

Sporting would continue to turn up the heat, keeping the ball for long stretches and forcing the compact defense into playing the counter. That almost worked for the Owls once or twice, including a 1-on-1 from Aàron Gòmez whose attempt to chip Pulskamp went just high of the goal. However, the more dangerous opportunities continue to go Kansas City’s way as the Union Omaha backline tried to hold on.

As Coach Vermes could sense the advantage, he continued to bring on more of his reserve firepower to try to find a breakthrough. One of those subs, Johnny Russell, had two great opportunities to put Sporting ahead in regulation. In the 84th minute he was able to whip a free kick in around the Omaha wall, but Nuhu was in perfect position to cover it up. Just a few minutes later, Russell would get the ball in almost the exact same position and unleash a left-footed shot that prompted Nuhu’s best save of the night. A quick dive, and the fingertips of his glove, were all that kept the scoreline knotted heading into extra time.

The extra period would go pretty much the same way the rest of the match went.  Russell saw an effort beat Nuhu, but not the post, while Ryen Jiba had an open look from the left side of the box that went just wide. Sporting were still in dominance, and toward the end of extra time, looked to have Omaha playing counter and just trying to get to penalties.

Those penalties wouldn’t come, however, as Alan Pulido would finally come up with the breakthrough. After a back and forth bit of play in the defensive half, Marinos Tzionis would recover the ball on the left side of the box. Holding off his defender, Tzionis managed to find Pulido open at the top of the box. A quick touch was all he needed to find space between the oncoming defenders and put a shot into the bottom left corner, just out of Nuhu’s reach.

Commenting on his goal, Pulido said “Normally this is my shot when I put the ball behind the defender and I try to score in between the legs because normally the goalkeeper goes a little bit to the left. This happened in this game and I scored.”

As the final whistle blew, cheers of celebration and relief erupted from the traveling Kansas City supporters. Meanwhile the Union Omaha supporters started cheers of their own for a valiant effort that fell just short.

With the win, Sporting Kansas City will move on to host FC Tulsa of USL Championship in the Round of 16 the week of May 21-22.

2024 US Open Cup Round 4: Amidst ownership uncertainty, Indy Eleven strikes early to beat San Antonio FC

by

Jack Blake (right) of Indy Eleven celebrates after scoring a goal against San Antonio FC in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Schlotzhauer
Jack Blake (right) of Indy Eleven celebrates after scoring a goal against San Antonio FC in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Schlotzhauer

The goals came fast for Indy and San Antonio was furious. In the birthplace of the Brickyard, Indy Eleven raced out to a 2-0 lead defeating San Antonio FC in Wednesday night’s Round of 32 of the 2024 US Open Cup at the Sellick Bowl. 

The win moves the club to 6-7-1 all time in the century-old tournament. With the victory, the home side advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time in club history.

The Boys in Blue started off at a blistering pace, scoring two goals within the first two minutes of the match. In the second minute, a cross was sent in by Eleven forward Douglas Martinez that caromed off a San Antonio defender to the feet of teammate Augi Williams. Williams wasted no time finishing the chance, sending a shot ricocheting off the body of San Antonio keeper Kendall McIntosh to put the home side ahead 1-0. 

Not long after, Indy’s Aedan Stanley corralled a pass at the edge of the six-yard box and cut the ball back for colleague Jack Blake who buried it in the upper left corner of the net in the tenth minute. Indy would never look back. 

There were several strong chances for San Antonio in the second half but Indianapolis netminder Hunter Sulte was up to the task, earning his second straight Open Cup clean sheet.

A slightly hoarse Sulte said that the defensive effort was the fruit of staying focused, despite a comfortable early lead. 

“It is important to not get complacent, stay locked in the whole time, and just continue to protect the goal,” Sulte said. “What helps me is to keep talking, you can hear from my voice that I keep talking to my defenders. It helps me stay engaged when I’m not on the ball. “

The Indianapolis club remains unbeaten against San Antonio FC, moving its record to 2-0-1 all-time.

Indy Eleven will continue Olstad Division play in the Round of 16 hosting Detroit City FC on either May 21 or May 22 after Detroit ousted defending champions Houston Dynamo on penalties Tuesday.

First-year Indy manager Sean McAuley commended his future opponent Detroit for their success in Texas while noting the advantages of hosting the next round. 

“We know that it’s going to be a tough game,” he said. “But now we get to face someone in our own league who we are probably more familiar with. We’re at home, we’ve got our supporters, and I think that we’re going to try and go for it again. (We’ll) put out a team to try to get us into the quarterfinals.”

Indy Eleven soldier forward in the tournament while off the pitch other realities threaten the club’s operations. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced April 25th that the city had been in conversations with Major League Soccer (MLS) about bringing an expansion franchise to the market. 

Plans for “Eleven Park”, including a brand new 20,000 seat stadium for the USL side, have been halted while the city discusses details of a different plan, tailored to a potential new MLS club, with an unnamed group of investors. 

McAuley said that he is confident in Indy Eleven’s ownership and his players and staff are focused on the job at hand. “We’ve got full belief in everything that the club wants to do. We obviously got that news a couple of weeks ago. We were assured by everyone here that this club has a good history to it, good people in it across all departments of the club, and a really strong owner and front office staff that are fighting to get to where we want to get” he said. 

“We have no problem turning up every week and doing our jobs. Which obviously it’s something for the supporters and we want to give them something to cheer about. Sometimes with uncertainty, the one thing you can be sure of is that in a win everyone walks away happy.”

2024 US Open Cup Round 4: Doratiotto’s OT winner sends Phoenix Rising past North Carolina FC, into Round of 16

by

Players from Phoenix Rising FC (left) and North Carolina FC battle for the ball in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Greg NG
Players from Phoenix Rising FC (left) and North Carolina FC battle for the ball in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Greg NG

With one strike, Giulio Doratiotto made history for himself and his club.

The 19-year-old product of Juventus’ academy subbed on for Phoenix Rising FC at the beginning of the first period of extra time against North Carolina FC in the Fourth Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Then, in the 110th minute, Doratiotto cut through the teeth of NCFC’s defense to gain positioning in the penalty area. Once there, a feed from Erickson Gallardo found his left foot, which rocketed the ball between two defenders and NCFC’s keeper for the go-ahead score.

Doratiotto ripped his shirt off in celebration, earning a yellow card — but it didn’t matter. Rising’s defense held strong for the final 10 minutes and left WakeMed Soccer Park victorious after notching a 2-1 win over North Carolina FC in front of an announced crowd of 822 fans on a cool Wednesday night.

“It feels amazing,” Doratiotto said. “I was waiting for that moment. I’m so happy to have the team get a win.” 

The goal was Doratiotto’s first professional score, and the result gives Phoenix its first trip in the club’s 10-year history to the Round of 16 in the Open Cup. Rising will face the winners of the Seattle Sounders and Louisville City FC on May 21 or 22.

“We won a tough away game,” Rising coach Danny Stone said. “To be in the last 16 in obviously an exciting thing… And now, honestly, the attention turns to fast recovery. The credit goes to the players who fought very, very hard in a game tonight and, in the end, I think deserve to come away with a victory.”

North Carolina FC is now winless in its last four matches across all competitions. The club has not advanced to the Open Cup Round of 16 since 2014, when it was one of two lower division sides to make the quarterfinals.

“A lot of effort was given this evening,” NCFC coach John Bradford said. “The details, in terms of an early goal that has no business being defended the way we defended it and allowing it to come in, changes the game. We anticipated it being a physical match and it was. We’ve got to be able to keep our heads a bit better and don’t let the referee make decisions that can go either way, but ultimately go a way that didn’t help us.”

The game featured 12 yellow cards in all. North Carolina outshot Phoenix 20-14, but only put two of those attempts on target in the defeat.

The match was a weird one on multiple levels. It included a weather delay, a late change to the starting lineup, three players being sent off, and two periods of added time. Most of the game was played 10-versus-10, then NCFC saw a second player get a second yellow in added time.

It kicked off 26 minutes later than originally scheduled due to inclement weather in the area. Shortly after the opening kick, Phoenix struck first as Juan Carlos Azocar found the back of the net in the ninth minute. It marked the first goal for the 28-year-old Venezuelan midfielder in a Phoenix kit – he signed with the club this past offseason after spending the last three seasons with various USL Championship clubs  while on loan from Deportivo La Guaira.

Gabriel Torres wasn’t officially credited with an assist, but he created the goal-scoring opportunity for Rising by beating his defender along the left edge of the box and crossing the ball, where it took two bounces before Azocar fired an off-balance, left-footed shot into the roof of the net. Shortly after the goal, NCFC defender Paco Craig was given a yellow card for pushing Azocar, trying to stop him from celebrating and causing a bit of a kerfuffle. 

Azocar wasn’t originally in the starting lineup. He was a late addition for Phoenix after Edgardo Rito was a last-minute scratch upon suffering an apparent injury during warmups, a team spokesperson said. Azocar was promoted to the starting lineup in his place, while Jose Hernandez was added to the bench.

The match changed in a dramatic way in the 24th minute when Phoenix was forced to play the remainder of it with 10 men after defender Laurence Wyke earned his second yellow card and was sent off for a reckless tackle from behind at midfield on NCFC’s Oalex Anderson. Wyke had earned his first yellow in the seventh minute for a previous bad foul.

“Manage the emotions,” Stone said. “There can be a lot of different outcomes and eventualities and situations that we have to deal with …. When these things happen, it’s not a shock for anybody.”

Over the next 16 minutes, NCFC failed to capitalize on its advantage, and in the 40th minute, the game was made even again. Craig was given his second yellow after getting tangled up with a Phoenix forward Remi Cabral in the midfield, stopping his progress on an attack.

“I think (playing 10-on-10) favors a brave team, to try to have the ball,” Stone said. “The physical component of the game becomes a bit more prevalent.”

NCFC struggled with putting together meaningful scoring chances. Then, finally, in the 80th minute, Louis Perez fired in a corner kick from the left side, and Justin Malou spun to meet the ball with his right heel, guiding it into the net with flair for the equalizer. It was the first goal in an NCFC uniform for Malou – a 25-year-old Clemson University product who won a national championship with the Tigers in WakeMed Soccer Park in 2021.

“That was the message, just stay the course and try to get a goal,” Bradford said.

Picking up a great feed from Mohamed Traore, Azocar had the chance to notch the go-ahead goal for Phoenix in the 88th minute but put a chip attempt over the crossbar.In extra time, NCFC lost another player when defender Ezra Armstrong picked up his second yellow card for a hard foul in the 94th minute.

2024 US Open Cup Round 4: MD Myers completes hat trick with late OT winner as Charleston Battery beats Tormenta FC

by

MD Myers of the Charleston Battery celebrates after scoring a goal against the South Georgia Tormenta FC in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Wade Wimberly - TheCup.us
MD Myers of the Charleston Battery celebrates after scoring a goal against the South Georgia Tormenta FC in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Wade Wimberly – TheCup.us

Both teams knew the assignment entering Wednesday night’s 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Round of 32 match at Patriots Point just across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston: Win and host Atlanta United in the Round of 16.

The Charleston Battery would take care of business in front of their home fans with a 3-2 extra time win over the South Georgia Tormenta FC. All of the scoring would come from one man: MD Myers, the club’s offseason signing who came over from NYCFC II of MLS NEXT Pro.

With that extra motivation in mind, both teams stood toe-to-toe and traded jabs in the midfield over the first 15 minutes of the match looking for an advantage. The Battery used a high-press and suffocating midfield pressure to squeeze the ball away from Tormenta higher and higher up the field.  All this pressure paid off in the 22nd minute as MD Myers looked to deliver a knockout blow as he stole the ball from the Tormenta goalkeeper and went on a dribbling, slalom run around the penalty box evading both goalkeeper and defenders alike before he put the ball into the empty through a crowd for the 1-0 lead.

The goal, however, didn’t seem to impact either team’s pattern of play or urgency in the match. The visitors regained their shape after the goal allowed and counterpunched via the quick counterattack to climb their way back into the match. Tormenta’s Pedro Fonseca collected a through ball right up the middle of the field and then went on a solo run to the top of the box where he buried a shot to even the game at 1-1 in the 40th minute. Again, the goal didn’t seem to impact either team’s mindset or urgency as they seemed very committed to their game plan. 

Just when it looked like the match would go to the half knotted at 1-1, it was a quick Battery combination up the left flank in first-half stoppage time that quickly circulated the ball forward before it was floated into the box where Myers rose first and rose highest to nod the ball into the near post to give the hosts a 2-1 advantage at the break.

The second half opened just like the first half with both teams trading jabs in the midfield and then after several attack-minded substitutes were made by both teams, the game really opened up. The USL Championship and Battery leading score Nick Markanich was slotted in on a breakaway 1-v-1 versus Tormenta keeper Drew Romig in the 80th minute forcing a spectacular double save to preserve the score line. The Battery had been looking to put the game away with increased pressure on the Tormenta goal and then totally against the run play the visitors broke down the right flank as Niall Watson outpaced the Battery defense to slide ball across the goal mouth where Gabriel Rodriguez turned in the low cross to level things at 2-2.

As the game went to extra time, it was the Battery who came out the strongest throwing everything forward as they delivered ball after ball into the Tormenta box looking for the knockout blow. One last cross in the final seconds of the first extra time forced a point-blank reaction save out of Romig in the 105th minute to keep the score knotted 2 to 2.

As the second half of extra time was set to expire, the Battery made one final push dumping everything they had into the attack that created a scramble inside the Tormenta goalmouth that fell neatly to Myers who made no mistake as he rifled the ball through the crowded box for the knockout blow, a hat trick and the 3-2 Battery victory.

Myers becomes just the third Battery player to score a hat trick in Open Cup play. He joins Darren Spicer, who scored three against the ACS New Stars in the opening round of 2008, and Heviel Cordoves who scored his hat trick against the Panama City Pirates in the Second Round of the 2014 tournament. Cordoves’ trio of goals was scored nearly 10 years to the day.

Charleston will now host the Alonso Division final in the Round of 16 as Atlanta United visits the Point on Tuesday, May 22 or Wednesday, May 23. The last time the Battery hosted Atlanta in the USOC was the 2019 Tropical Storm match at MUSC Stadium on Daniel Island that was not played due to poor pitch conditions.  That fixture was flipped to a closed-door meeting in Kennesaw a few days later that Atlanta won before going on to win the 2019 US Open Cup title.

2024 US Open Cup Round 4: Loudoun United goes coast-to-coast, beats Orange County SC, 2-1

by

Photo by Orange County SC

Loudoun United FC is into the Fifth Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time in its history.

The-Red-and-White used a pair of finishes by forward Wesley Leggett and a second-half penalty save from goalkeeper Dane Jacomen to guide them to a 2-1 win over Orange County SC at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, Calif.

“We made some very good saves,” Loudoun head coach Ryan Martin said. “Big clearances, big blocks — and those little moments win and lose games and our guys made enough big plays to win us the game.”

There wasn’t a bigger play than Jacomen’s save on Orange County defender Markus Nakkim from the spot which came during the game’s most eventful period that featured an OC equalizer, a Loudoun go-ahead goal, and a foul in the box within five minutes.

Orange County started the game on the front-foot and enjoyed most of the ball’s possession throughout the first 45 minutes.

OC head coach Morten Karlsen, though, said his team wasted 45 minutes by failing to create solid opportunities with the lion’s share of ball retention in the opponent’s attack.

Midway through the first half, OC’s ineffective offense allowed Loudoun’s counter-attack to land the first haymaker. 

Against the run of play, Leggett picked up a pass at the center circle from midfielder Kalil ElMedkhar before dashing beyond two defenders and reaching the inside of the box to curl his attempt beyond OC goalkeeper Colin Shutler’s reach.

The exceptional run and finish from Leggett put the visitors in front at halftime and forced Karlsen to reach into his bench and make two substitutions before the second half

The hosts found it difficult to pierce through the Loudoun backline and ended the half without a shot on goal.

“We want to be one of the best defensive teams in the league,” Martin said. “We showed it tonight that we’re on that path.”

Replaced at halftime for OC was former Major League Soccer striker Ethan Zubak who, according to Karlsen, was a “tactical sub, performance sub.”

Cameroonian striker Thomas Amang replaced the former LA Galaxy and Nashville SC frontman and the former needed just 17 minutes to get his team-leading fourth goal of the season and equalize.

Amang tapped home from close range after wingers Bryce Jamison and Christian Sorto connected from a cross to set up the game-tying goal.

Moments later, Leggett collected his second via a defensive mishap to extinguish any momentum gathered from Amang’s goal.

“The equalizer was well deserved,” Karlsen said. “Then on our way to build momentum, we give away a goal.

“I don’t think we did ourselves any favors today in terms of winning the game.”

Leggett took advantage of OC center backs Ashton Miles and Nakkim’s failure to clear a tame pass into the box which was met by the forward with aplomb before he set himself up to beat Shutler for the second time.

Ninety seconds later, the hosts had a road back into the game when Loudoun midfield substitute Florian Valot took down OC midfielder Cameron Dunbar in the box for a penalty kick.

Nakkim, who got his first start of the season after a spell on the injured list, stepped up and had his attempt to the left saved by Jacomen.

“I was locked in on the penalty taker,” Jacomen said about his mentality during Nakkim’s attempt. “Not really feeling much pressure in the situation, just trying to do my job and help us get three points.”

It’s the second time a saved penalty by Jacomen carried Loudoun United onto the next round in this tournament. The goalkeeper’s penalty shootout save in the visitor’s third round match lifted them beyond the Richmond Kickers.

Loudoun United will travel again in the Round of 16 which is set to take place on May 21 or 22 — the winner between Los Angeles FC and Las Vegas Lights FC on Wednesday will host the Virginians.

“The guys showed that they belonged,” Martin said. “Whoever we get, it’s an honor to play in this so we’ll just keep pushing forward.”

2024 US Open Cup Round 4: Danny Vitiello leads Sacramento Republic to shutout win over Monterey Bay

by

Kieran Phillips of the Sacramento Republic celebrates after scoring a goal against Monterey Bay FC in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC
Kieran Phillips of the Sacramento Republic celebrates after scoring a goal against Monterey Bay FC in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

Behind two first half goals spanning across just four minutes, Sacramento Republic FC advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Tuesday night with a 2-0 win over USL Championship rival Monterey Bay FC. Republic FC Manager Mark Briggs pushed his career winning percentage to .714 in the Open Cup, which is the third highest in the Modern Era (1995-present).

With the win, Republic FC move their all-time home record in the competition to 19-2-1 (1-1 in penalty shootouts) and will next host MLS side San Jose Earthquakes, who they knocked out of the tournament in 2022 as part of their historic run to the Open Cup Final.

The Quails broke through in the 27th minute when left back Dami Viader crossed in a ball from just outside the box on the left side, which was inadvertently deflected by Monterey Bay FC defender Kai Greene straight into the back of the net to make it 1-0.

Four minutes later (31st minute), Huddersfield Town loanee Kieran Phillips notched his third goal in four matches across all competitions on a lovely through ball from Rafa Jauregui, who earned his first career assist.

From that point on, Republic FC goalkeeper Danny Vitiello made a number of clearances and big saves (four total on the night), including right before halftime and in the 88th minute, denying Monterey Bay forward Tristan Trager from breaking up Vitiello’s clean sheet.

Listening to Briggs following the match, it’s clear Republic FC are once again prioritizing the Open Cup as much as USL play, and in turn, honoring the history of the tournament.

“I think I’m fortunate that I have a squad that allows us to compete on both fronts,” said Briggs.. But the Open Cup – look, we’ve got a special history with the Open Cup. Not just in 2022 but even before I was the coach. The club’s done extremely well in the Open Cup, so it’s competition that we respect and we want to do well in, and this year is no different. Now obviously we’re coming up against a San Jose team that we’ve faced many times in the past and it’ll be a really difficult night and a difficult game, but a great opportunity for our community, our city to show what Sacramento is all about.”

The match featured a number of new faces to the tournament, but none more exciting than 16 year-old Republic FC defender and academy standout Chibi Ukaegbu, who played in his first professional match after signing a contract last November. He learned last Friday that he was going to be in the XI on Tuesday. He was nervous, but absolutely ready.

“It felt great,” said Ukaegbu. “It’s something I’ve been training for for a long time, and to get this the opportunity felt great in front of all the fans.”

2024 US Open Cup Round 4: San Jose debutants lead Earthquakes to narrow win over Oakland Roots

by

19-year-old Emi Ochoa made his professional debut for the San Jose Earthquakes against the Oakland Roots in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: San Jose Earthquakes
19-year-old Emi Ochoa made his professional debut for the San Jose Earthquakes against the Oakland Roots in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: San Jose Earthquakes

The San Jose Earthquakes were on a mission as they faced off against local rivals in the US Open Cup, aiming to break a troubling pattern of elimination. With past defeats haunting them, notably against Monterey Bay FC in 2023 and the Sacramento Republic in 2022, the Quakes sought to rewrite their recent narrative that they can not get past USL teams in the US Open Cup.

San Jose took the first step toward bouncing back from those recent disappointing losses with a narrow 1-0 win over the Oakland Roots of the USL Championship on Tuesday night.

Tensions ran high between the two clubs, each vying for the title of the Bay Area’s true representative. At PayPal Park, fans made their sentiments known by donning “#SellTheTeam” merchandise, a pointed commentary on the shared ownership between the Earthquakes and the Oakland A’s, both helmed by John Fisher. With the Oakland A’s relocating to Las Vegas, the stakes were higher than ever. For the city of Oakland, victory over Fisher’s Earthquakes would signify more than just progress in the US Open Cup; it would symbolize a triumph over a figure widely disliked in the community and mark the first win in their head-to-head encounters.

Head coach Luchi Gonzalez hinted at lineup changes after their last game versus LAFC, and true to his word, rotations were made, including the introduction of their high-profile 7 million dollar Designated Player, Hernan Lopez. A younger side was put out there as there are many talent young players on this team.

For example, Emi Ochoa, the Mexican American goalkeeper, made his first start for the Quakes at just 19 years old. Emi was not the only Quake to get his first start; new Designated Player Hernan Lopez was right there with him, looking to make the Quakes fan base infatuated with his play already.

However, the match didn’t unfold seamlessly for the Quakes. Despite the presence of Hernan Lopez in the lineup, the team appeared disjointed, struggling to find their rhythm. It became evident that familiarity with Lopez’s style was still a work in progress.

At halftime, a strategic substitution saw Ousseni Bouda replace Lopez, much to the surprise of some fans. This would prove to be the crucial change that Luchi Gonzalez needed in his side. Emi Ochoa pulled off a crucial save to maintain the deadlock at 0-0, as this match could have spiraled if the 19-year-old didn’t come up big. Their constant pressure in the second half paid off when they breached the Roots’ defense in the 73rd minute, for a great scoring opportunity, only to be called off due to offside.

However, just three minutes later, Ousseni Bouda seized the opportunity, slotting home a goal in the 76th minute to break the deadlock at PayPal Park. The visiting crowd, previously boisterous, fell silent as their Open Cup hopes dwindled. The goal was assisted by Niko Tsakiris, the 18-year-old notched his first assist for the senior team and also demonstrated the ability to perform on the big stage at such a young age. The Roots’ woes compounded in the 82nd minute when Johnny Lopez received a red card for elbowing Ousseni Bouda, the goalscorer, in the face. The match then descended into a stalemate as the Quakes bunkered down to protect their lead, ultimately getting the victory.

With the Quakes having progressed to the Round of 16 in the US Open Cup, their next challenge awaits as they prepare to face the Sacramento Republic. The upcoming matches are scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, through Wednesday, May 22.

Following the game, Ousseni Bouda addressed the media, expressing his desire for a larger role within the team. This was a perfect opportunity for Ousseni and he took it. If Bouda can string a couple of good performances in the US Open Cup, it will force Luchi Gonzalez hand into giving him more playing time. This tournament holds significant importance for young players like Ousseni Bouda, Emi Ochoa, and Hernan Lopez, each at different stages of their careers, all striving to leave their mark on the team.

Not only does this tournament serves as a platform for MLS players to showcase their talents to their coaching staff, but it also lets players from lower leagues showcase their emerging talents and prove themselves capable to the world. It’s all part of the beauty of the US Open Cup.

2024 US Open Cup Round 4: Logan Farrington’s first pro goal gives FC Dallas narrow win over Memphis 901

by

Logan Farrington of FC Dallas celebrates after scoring a goal against Memphis 901 FC in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Dallas
Logan Farrington of FC Dallas celebrates after scoring a goal against Memphis 901 FC in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Dallas

Logan Farrington’s first professional goal proved to be enough to help hosts FC Dallas take down USL Championship side Memphis 901 FC to advance to the Round of 16 of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Farrington came off the bench in the second half and provided the ultimate spark as he got on the end of a Jesus Ferreira free kick and made the most of his chance.

Farrington was thrilled to make his mark on the tournament, but also tempered expectations after the match.

“It’s fantastic being able to score my first goal in this tournament and feeling the warmth and support of our fans after the goal. It’s amazing but it’s only the first step and we have more challenges ahead of us.”

It was the 37th US Open Cup win for FC Dallas in club history, which moves them into a tie for third place in the tournament’s Modern Era (1995-present) with the Seattle Sounders FC (who play on Wednesday night) and the LA Galaxy who did not enter the competition this year.

Dallas set the tone early, earning a corner kick in just the second minute. Katlego Ntsabeleng had arguably the best chance of the half in the 13th minute, but his point blank shot inside the box was deflected out for a corner; which Dallas failed to capitalize on.

Memphis came back with their best chance in the 22nd minute when Marlon Dos Santos Prezeres found himself in space inside the Dallas penalty box but his shot went over the crossbar.

Frustration began to set in for the home side as Dallas picked up back-to-back yellow cards in the 41st and 43rd minutes. Dallas finally picked up their first shot on goal in first half stoppage time, but Nkosi Tafari’s header was hit right at Memphis goalkeeper Tyler Deric.

Dallas wasted no time applying pressure in the second half, earning a corner kick in the 49th minute. Three minutes later, Petar Musa found himself 1-on-1 with Deric, but his chip went over the bar. Memphis responded immediately with a close range shot from Luiz Fernando Nascimento that went just wide of the goal. Both sides made multiple substitutions to try and shake things up in the 65th minute and the visitors from Memphis were able to quickly earn a corner kick, but ultimately couldn’t convert.

Dallas finally broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute. Ferreira whipped in a free kick towards the back post and Farrington needed just one touch to settle the ball and fire past the keeper for the goal. Memphis immediately came back to force back-to-back corner kicks at the other end but could not take advantage. Dallas maintained their hold over the game and Musa managed to conjure multiple shots on goal in the final 10 minutes, but failed to double his team’s advantage. In the end it wouldn’t matter though, as Dallas secured the 1-0 win to move on to the next round.

Dallas head coach Nico Estevez commended his team’s adjustments at halftime to help turn the tide.

“I think the adjustments we made at halftime, offensively and defensively, helped us to be more of a threat and aggressive. At the end, we couldn’t score more goals, and this is why it’s very important to score the first goal. It was late for us, but I think we gained good experience and now we have to recover and get ready for Austin (next league match).”

Dallas will hit the road in the Round of 16 to take on the winner of Birmingham Legion and Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Copyright © 2026 • Built by Jacob Martella Web Development