The Second Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is done and dusted with 16 victors still standing. An often chaotic two nights of action saw enough thrillers and last minute heroics to satisfy any adrenaline junkie.
Day One on Tuesday featured five of the six total games played being decided by one goal. El Farolito continued its giant killing ways against USL Championship opponents (a win that would ultimately earn them $50,000 in prize money). FORO battled valiantly until the end in South Georgia. Chaotic scenes erupted in the Antelope Valley as AV ALTA squared up against cross county MLS NEXT Pro foes LAFC2.
Day two of the Second Rround on Wednesday night was all about a derby match over half a decade in the making, Chattanooga FC vs Chattanooga Red Wolves. While the boys from Tennessee didn’t disappoint in a wire to wire game that ended in a penalty kick thriller, the evening’s other offerings provided plenty of additional storylines. The remaining amateur teams would fall and the Portland Hearts of Pine got to experience their first cup magic with a late equalizer and a penalty kick win.
When the chaos subsided, the original 32 teams had been narrowed down to four teams from the USL Championship, nine from USL League One, two from MLS NEXT Pro, and one from the NPSL. The remaining 16 USL Championship sides will enter in the Third Round. Now, our heroes will wait to see how much steeper the mountain they must climb will become —the draw to find out Third Round opponents will be on Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Below you find a brief recap of every game from Round 2 with links to the full match report (with video highlights) as they become available:
TUESDAY, APRIL 1
Columbus Crew 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)
3:0
Lexington Sporting Club (USL-C)
By Gracin Galbreath
Columbus Crew 2 would continue their run in this tournament by pulling off not just a cupset, but a dominant one at 3-0.
Crew 2 took an early 7th minute lead from Owen Presthus’ deflected shot that found the right corner. From that point on, Lexington kept the ball, trying to force a goal through one-two combos and wide play—to no avail. They went into the break with more possession and shots, but no equalizer to show for it.
In the second half, they continued this strategy as Crew 2’s stout defense repelled them. Cristian Ortiz would take advantage of Edrey Cáceres losing possession, and calmly slotted it in the bottom left corner as Crew 2 doubled their lead in the 65th minute. For the rest of the match, Lexington were contained as their opponents sat back. To add salt to the wound, a third goal was added in the 95th minute by Brent Adu-Gyamfi. US U17 prospect Chase Adams assisted the opening and closing goals.
Crew 2 are now 2-0-0 in their debut campaign in the Open Cup. Lexington SC exit with an all-time record of 1-3-0, having made their longest run yet.
South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
3:2
FORO SC (UPSL)
By James Knowles
In Statesboro, the match started very evenly. Although technically an amateur team, FORO SC had several former and prospective professionals. These players felt perfectly confident to run at the home side, with left back Kyran Pinho particularly active in putting Tormenta under pressure. The early patterns didn’t matter, though, as it was the USL League One club who scored first. Aaron Walker took advantage of a pile up at the back post to head home for South Georgia.
Each side created good chances in the second half, with Tormenta having a goal chalked off for offside. However, it would be the visitors who scored next, leveling things with a beautiful, looping finish from Gibran Rayo. But, South Georgia could not be held back. Yaniv Bazini beat the offside trap and put the home team back in the lead. Then, after a 90th minute scramble at the back, Foro won a penalty, which Brayan Padilla nonchalantly converted.
Somehow, that was not the end of this script. Another header, this time from Sebastian Vivas, gave Tormenta the advantage for a third time. Taking place during stoppage time, it was finally too late for another equalizer. With 101 minutes on the clock, full time was called, thus ensuring South Georgia moved on.
[+] FULL MATCH REPORT
Inter Miami CF II (MLS NEXT Pro)
0:1
Miami FC (USL-C)
By Jordan Beech
In the Vice City Derby, it was the USL Championship’s Miami FC who emerged victorious, 1-0, over Inter Miami CF II. Francisco Bonfiglio provided the heroics for the visitors, supplying the matchwinner in the 84th minute.
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, it was Miami FC who applied more pressure to their opponent’s defense. Matias Martin was tested seven times, and while he was equal six times, it was lucky number seven that did the MLS NEXT Pro side in. Deian Veron whipped in a corner that fell to Bonfiglio in the six-yard box. All the Argentinian had to do was slot it home at the near post to punch Miami FC’s ticket to the Third Round.
Miami FC is now 10-6-1 all-time in Open Cup play. Despite seven Open Cup appearances, this is the club’s first win over a Division 3 side.
[+] FULL MATCH REPORT
Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
2:1
Carolina Core FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
After Extra Time
By Jordan Beech
Charlotte Independence needed extra time for a second-straight match, but in the end secured advancement to the Third Round, 2-1, over Carolina Core FC of MLS NEXT Pro. Souaibou Marou notched the match-winner for the hosts in the 94th minute.
Both teams scored in the opening 10 minutes of the match. Luis Alvarez took advantage of a big touch by Andrew Pannenberg on a back pass, knocking it off the keeper’s foot before slotting it into the back of the net for a 1-0 Charlotte advantage. However, the lead wouldn’t last long as Josuha Rodriguez fired home from Derek Cuevas’ service just eight minutes later to knot the score up at 1-1. Neither team would score in the remaining 80 minutes of regulation, sending the match into extra time.
Quickly after extra play began Souaibou Marou put the Independence back on top. The Cameroonian striker got behind a flat-footed Core backline on a lofted through ball from Jon Bakero. Marou faced down the on-rushing Pannenberg and chipped it over his head in the 94th minute to send Charlotte through.
The win sends the Independence to the Third Round for the third straight year. Charlotte is now 8-7-3 all-time in Open Cup play.
Monterey Bay FC (USL-C)
1:2
El Farolito (NPSL)
By Tim Thomas
The Burrito Boys ride again as El Farolito pulled off the cupset against Monterey Bay FC 2-1. On what at times was a blustery and rainy night El Farolito ended their drought against USL Championship opponents in dramatic fashion.
El Farolito came into the evening facing long odds looking to keep their Cinderella story going against a surging Monterey Bay squad. Monterey came out on the front foot early pressing El Farolito and eventually scoring a goal on a penalty kick that came as a result of a Dembor Benson handball.
Going into the half down 1-0 and with their captain subbed off due to an injury, things looked bleak for El Farolito. They came out in the second half guns blazing, leading to an Andres Zuluaga goal in the 57th minute. A chaotic scramble in front of the net would lead to the Burrito Boys game winner in the 83rd minute by Edgard Kreye.
This marks El Farolito’s first victory in the Open Cup against USL Championship opponents and their third 2-1 victory against professional opponents after trailing 1-0.
AV ALTA FC (USL-1)
2:1
LAFC2 (MLS NEXT Pro)
After Extra Time
By A.D. Mosier
A cagey match between third division Open Cup debutant clubs saw the newly incarnated USL-1 side, AV Alta FC, top LAFC2 2-1 with a goal in the waning moments of extra time.
Emanual Alaribe and Jimmie Vallalobos scored for AV Alta, playing only its fourth competitive match in club history. Anthony Guerra scored for the visiting LAFC2.
Guerra put LAFC2 in the lead in the 64th minute, running onto a sublime through ball from Sebastian Nava to smash the ball past Alta goalkeeper, Carlos Avilez from inside the penalty area.
The hosts drew level in the 80th minute when Emanual Alaribe got enough on the ball in a goal-line scrum to finally beat LAFC2 goalkeeper, Cabral Carter.
The game was stretched in the final ten minutes. Both goalkeepers were forced to make crucial saves to keep the game level as regulation time wound down.
With both teams looking resigned to penalty kicks, Vallalobos banged home a rebound after center back Luca Mastrantonio rose to meet an inswinging corner kick, smashing his header off the crossbar.
Vallalabos will have to watch his club in the next round from the stands. His exuberant celebration led to his dismissal after being shown a second yellow card and subsequent red for ripping off his shirt in celebration.
[+] FULL MATCH REPORT
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2
Loudoun United FC (USL-C)
4:2
Virginia Dream FC (USASA / VSSL)
By Gracin Galbreath
It was a goalfest as USL Championship side Loudoun United neutralized two goals from amateur side Virginia Dream to advance by a score of 4-2.
The opener for Loudoun was a glancing header from Riley Bidois, just 3 minutes before the whistle. Going into the break, their 1-0 advantage remained. In the 50th minute, a low cross from Asparuh Slavov found the feet of Akingbolahan Akinkoye for the Dream’s equalizer. It was then Ben Mine’s close-range finish that restored Loudoun’s lead. Another goal from close-range, this for 3-1, was scored by Zach Ryan in the 77th minute. Nicolas Likulia’s header right down the throat of the Loudoun goal pulled one back, but it wouldn’t be enough; Zach Ryan completed his brace in stoppage time by slotting one into an open net. Loudoun had a majority of possession with 22 shots that came from it.
Loudoun United advance with a record of 5-2-1 in the Open Cup; meanwhile, the Dream is over as they go 1-1-0 in their first campaign.
Portland Hearts of Pine (USL-1)
1:1
Hartford Athletic (USL-C)
Portland Hearts of Pine advances 4-2 on penalty kicks
By Jordan Beech
Portland Hearts of Pine secured their first-ever Cupset in their first-ever shootout, edging past Hartford Athletic, 1-1 (4-2), on Wednesday night in Second Round action.
Neither team was able to break the deadlock in regulation, sending the match to extra time. Unfortunately for Portland, Azaad Liadi received his marching orders after picking up a second yellow in the 96th minute. Jordan Scarlett took advantage of being up a man, nodding home in the 107th minute from Emmanuel Samadia’s service off the corner. However, Hearts of Pine leveled 10 minutes later when Evan Southern found Jake Keegan on the right side of the box.
In penalties, Hunter Morse saved Hartford’s third kick, while Nathan Messer converted to give Portland a 3-2 advantage. Michee Ngalina then missed Hartford’s fourth attempt over the crossbar, setting up Evan Southern to punch Hearts of Pine’s ticket to the next round.
Westchester SC (USL-1)
3:2
NY Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA / APSL)
By Ben Land
A Tri-state area clash took place this evening in Westchester County at the host’s venue in Mount Vernon, New York. The suburban hosts held down their home turf in the end.
Westchester SC opened the scoring inside 3 minutes through their captain and Honduran national team player, Juan Obregón. Obregón led the lines alongside Ermin Matic who was quiet in comparison. A mere 18 minutes later, the visitors added insult to injury by conceding an own goal in the 22nd minute. New York Pancyprian Freedoms’ center back, Jack Sluys was unlucky to get the last touch allowing Westchester to double their lead. The scoring wasn’t over just yet though. Daniel Bouman, a former Australia youth international, netted in the top left corner from inside the box at the 33rd minute mark. The half concluded three-nil in favor of the USL League One side, with a yellow card for the Pancyprian captain, Luis Argudo
The Pancyprian Freedoms showed resolve,mustering a total of 12 shots, 4 of which were on target in the match. Pablo Herrera had one of those shots, which he converted from close range in the 54th minute off a corner. A minute later Obregón of Westchester FC was carded for a handball. The visitors continued to push for a second until stoppage time when they finally broke through for a second time, courtesy of James Thristino. Jordan Bailon whipped in a delicious cross which Thristino finished emphatically with the left foot from about 8 yards out.
The match finished 3-2 Westchester FC, who held off a last second rally from the amateur New York City based side. The hosts move on to the Third Round and the fairytale run for the Pancyprian Freedoms, the three-time Open Cup champs, comes to an end in their home state.
Chattanooga FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
1:1
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC advances 5-4 on penalties
By Gracin Galbreath
The long-awaited “Chattanooga Derby” took place in this Round Two of the US Open Cup; in the end, the Scenic City was Red.
Just 7 minutes in, a free-kick from Omar Hernandez would give the Red Wolves a lead. 12 minutes later, CFC had their own free-kick goal as Daniel Mangarov nestled one into the top corner for their equalizer. It was a back-and-forth affair from then on, as CFC held most of the ball while the Red Wolves played on the counter. A scrum—which is expected between crosstown rivals—brought the match to the end of regulation. By then, they had combined for 19 shots with only a sliver being on target.
A scrummy first half of extra time would take place; CFC continued to build towards the final third while the Red Wolves picked up the scraps, but it amounted to nothing. The second half of extra time saw the Red Wolves with more momentum, but so remained the scoreline. It would ultimately go to penalties. CFC immediately went down 1-0 as Ricardo Jerez denied Mangarov. With just the last penalty to make, Owen Green rippled the right netting to send the Red Wolves through.
Chattanooga FC now have a record of 3-8-5 in Open Cup play, while the Chattanooga Red Wolves are 4-4-0 and tie the record for their deepest run yet.
Greenville Triumph (USL-1)
1:3
One Knoxville SC (USL-1)
By Ian Livingston Brooking
One Knoxville scored two goals in the first 25 minutes en route to a 3-1 victory over Greenville Triumph on Wednesday night, advancing to the Third Round in the US Open Cup for the first time in club history.
Stavros Zarokostas scored the opening goal just before the 14-minute mark, then found teammate Mark Doyle not even 10 minutes later to double Knoxville’s advantage in the Upstate.
Greenville looked to cut the lead in half just before halftime after a penalty was given, only to see it saved by Knoxville’s Johan Garibay. Despite going down a man within the first five minutes of the second half, the Triumph upped the pressure and finally got the goal they’d been pushing for in the 55th minute.
The Triumph continued to put the pressure on their fellow USL League One side, with many chances coming in the final 10 minutes. However, Knoxville’s Babacar Diene caught a long pass upfield and slotted the ball into the back of the net late in stoppage time, sealing the historic victory.
With this win, One Knoxville avenges a 3-2 defeat to the Triumph in last year’s edition of the tournament and improved their all-time Open Cup record to 3-2-0. They will know their next opponent following the Third Round draw on Thursday, April 3.
FC Naples (USL-1)
3:0
Little Rock Rangers (USL-2)
By Jordan Beech
FC Naples was untroubled by Little Rock Rangers, claiming a 3-0 triumph on Wednesday night in Second Round action. Three different players scored for the host side against the amateur visitors.
Jayden Onen wasted no time in getting the party started, scoring in the opening minute of play for FC Naples with a shot from distance. Brecc Evans then doubled the advantage in the 14th minute, heading home Luka Prpa’s corner service. With the match well in hand, Andres Ferrin put a bow on the proceedings with the host’s third goal in the 77th minute of play.
FC Naples has now picked up two wins in their inaugural Open Cup campaign, with both wins coming against amateur sides.
Forward Madison (USL-1)
1:3
FC Tulsa (USL-C)
By Jordan Beech
In a rough match that saw seven cards handed out, FC Tulsa escaped Wisconsin with a 3-1 win over USL League One’s Forward Madison.
The visitors from the Sooner State went up 2-0 in the first half thanks to Owen Damm and Kalil ElMedkhar. Damm drew first blood in the 21st minute, with ElMedkhar following suit in the 31st minute.
Shortly after the restart, Tulsa went up 3-0 as Taylor Calheira, who already had an assist on the evening, converted from the spot. Forward Madison would pull one back in the 68th minute thanks to Nazeem Bartman to put the final touches on the scoreline. However, with the match all but wrapped up, Tulsa’s Boubacar Diallo received a second yellow card and made an early trip to the locker room.
As a result of the win, FC Tulsa punches its ticket to the Third Round for the fifth time, including their third time in four years. Now 7-8-1 overall in Cup action, Wednesday night was just the third road win for Tulsa, and their second of the 2025 Open Cup campaign.
Des Moines Menace (USL-2)
1:2
Union Omaha (USL-1)
By Irlanda Cecilia Tangarife
Nothing but excitement, passion, a great battle Wednesday night in Des Moines, Iowa where the US Open Cup was hosted by the Des Moines Manace against Union Omaha. Starting off the game in the first 15 minutes, the Des Moines Menace, armed with their roster of former MLS stars, held strong on their defense, but Union Omaha came with great possession, and at the 17th minute, Dion Acoff got his team in the lead. He couldn’t have done it without the great assist from Aaron Gomez, however, this drove Gomez to fight for more. Not long after, in the 33rd minute, Aaron Gomez made a spectacular goal with the assist from Sergio Ors Navarro. This left the Owls up 2-0 in the first half, leaving the pitch strong and together.
Although Des Moines Menace were down 2-0 in the first half, this just made them become more driven and motivated to catch up. Fighting in the box to find a way to get the ball in the back of the net, a second yellow card was issued to the Union Omaha’s Brand Knapp when he fouled Des Moines’ Benny Feilhaber. The two-time Open Cup champion (Sporting KC with 2015 & 2017) cut the lead in half from the penalty spot in the 54th minute. Knapp’s second yellow card left the Owls vulnerable and having to stay strong to keep their defensive shape and not risk another goal. The Menace fought hard, had greater possession in the second half, and created multiple chances but were unable to find the equalizer as Union Omaha reached the Third Round for the fourth year in a row.
Tacoma Defiance (MLS NEXT Pro)
2:1
Spokane Velocity FC (USL-1)
By Tim Abbott
There were moments when Defiance looked to be coasting to a win after Joonma Kang’s third-minute goal, but after a Luis Gil equalizer in the 78th minute, the Velocity goal led a charmed life with Edson Carli and Tsukanome hitting the crossbar and a Gil header trickling in, sent the Defiance defense scrambling in stoppage time at the end of regulation.
After hitting the crossbar yet again, Carli got the hosts back ahead, seizing on a cross from the left, pulling the ball back on the right before a deflection took the ball back inside the left-hand post. The match ended dramatically as Anuar Pelaez bicycled right into the keeper’s gloves.
Ventura County FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
0:3
El Paso Locomotive (USL-C)
By A.D. Mosier
El Paso Locomotive rode two first half goals and an early Ventura County FC red card to advance to the third round with a 3-0 win at Dignity Health Park’s Track Stadium.
Daniel Carter Bodden, Antonio Alfaro, tallied first half goals to keep the third division side at bay, and Andreas Cabrera put the game out of reach within the final ten minutes. All three of El Paso’s goals were scored from inside the six-yard box.
Shortly after going down two goals, things went from bad to worse when Jason Bucknor was shown a second yellow card in five minutes to put the visitors up a man. El Paso would keep that advantage for just under a half an hour when Alfaro picked up his second yellow card on the night, leveling things at 10 players each.
El Paso took the lead in the 17th minute when Alfaro flicked on an inswinging corner kick from the right side. The flicked ball shot across the face of the goal before Bodden got enough on the ball to get it over the line.
El Paso doubled the lead at the half-hour mark, from the opposite corner this time, when Ventura County goalkeeper, JT Marcinkowski could not get through the crowded six-yard box to play the ball, allowing it to float to the far post where it found Alfaro.
Cabera, the coach’s son, put the game away with nine minutes to play, slotting home a Beto Avila cross at the far post to put the game out of reach.
With the win, El Paso advances to the third round for just the second time in club history.
