2025 US Open Cup

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Union Omaha fends off late push from Flatirons Rush to advance

March 22, 2025 by Andrew Mosier

Players from Union Omaha (left) and Flatirons FC battle for the ball in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Flatirons FC

Twenty-four hours later than planned, Union Omaha advanced to the Second Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a workman-like win over amateur side Flatirons Rush.

Aarón Gómez and Joe Gallardo scored goals to put the USL League One champions through to face Des Moines Menace on April 2. Flatiron’s Shjon Andrews cut Omaha’s deficit to one in the 84th minute before Omaha, winless in the young USL League One season, fended off the amateur’s late surge for the win.

“They gave us a great game, they played really well. You can see why they did so well last year,” said Union Omaha coach, Domenico Casciato. “We came in with a lot of respect for them.”

Initially scheduled for Thursday, the game was pushed back 24 hours after winter weather caused travel delays for the visiting Union Omaha.

“The delay made things a little more challenging for us tonight,” Casciato said. “But we had a job to do and we came out and did it.”

The game could have been very different if Union Omaha’s Mehdi Ouamri had connected on a looping cross from the right flank five minutes into the match, putting the ball awkwardly wide from inside the six yard box.

After the miss, Flatirons worked diligently to get ahold of the match. Going into halftime, the amateurs out possessed the professional side with 53 percent of the possession, though they were lacking in the final third of the field.

Even with the majority of possession, Union Omaha broke the stalemate in the 28th minute when Gómez blasted a rebound past Flatirons goalkeeper Matteo Conci from close range.

Gallardo doubled Omaha’s lead in the 73rd minute from the penalty spot, smashing the ball into the upper left corner after referee Jozefecki Lukasz awarded a penalty kick after a severely spinning ball grazed Flatirons’ defender, Jackson Vander Ven’s hand.

Eleven minutes later, Andrews pulled Flatiron a goal back, heading home an Oluwatobi Osifodunrin cross at the back post, making the final few minutes of the match frantic as Omaha struggled to see out the game.

With the win, Union Omaha travels to face USL-2 side, Des Moines Menace, which will most likely feature a collection of former MLS and USMNT players.

“We know they are going to have quality. They may not have the legs they once did, but they know how to play the game,” Casciato said.

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Tsukanome’s 2nd half brace powers Tacoma Defiance past Washington AC

March 21, 2025 by Andrew Repp

Players from Tacoma Defiance (right) and Washington AC battle for the ball in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Sandra Agbotse - Sounders FC Communications — Players from Tacoma Defiance (right) and Washington AC battle for the ball in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Sandra Agbotse – Sounders FC Communications

Playing in a steady rain, the Tacoma Defiance came back from an early deficit and were powered to victory by a second-half brace from forward Yu Tsukanome as the MLS NEXT Pro side rallied past amateur side Washington Athletic Club (WAC), 3-1, at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, Wash.

Tacoma started off the first half with more possession and seemed to have early control of the game, but a ball over the top by the visitors in the seventh minute forced a foul by the Defiance’s Kaito Yamada just outside Tacoma’s 18-yard box. The challenge earned Yamada a yellow card and led to a group of players from both teams briefly surrounding the referee as some WAC fans called for DOGSO (Denial of an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity), but no further disciplinary action was taken by the referee. Nicholas O’Brien stepped up to take the ensuing free kick and shot it through the wall, where the ball took a deflection and left Tacoma’s keeper Lars Helleren wrong-footed as it went down the middle for a 1-0 lead.

Following the goal, WAC seemed to find their footing and had more control of the game for a time. Tacoma had one or two half chances but WAC had more possession. Each team was awarded another yellow card for challenges, though quality looks at goal were hard to find.

The tides turned in the 37th minute as Tacoma worked the ball to Charlie Gaffney on the right side of the attacking half. Gaffney sent in a cross that bounced off a WAC defender to the Defiance’s Edson Carli on the left side of the box. Carli hit a left-footed chip that floated over WAC’s keeper Saif Kerawala and just tucked in the upper right corner of the goal to tie the match at 1-1.

“We knew that this game was going to be an emotional one just because they (WAC) have some ex-Seattle players, they know us very well,” Defiance head coach Hervé Diese said. “ are still young, they’re still maturing, developing into strong men in the game, so I just needed to calm the nerves down and say ‘Hey, you’re doing well, we are the better team, stick to the principles and then we’ll get the first goal; once we get the second goal it’ll be done.’”

Before stoppage time, WAC won a free kick just past the midfield line. The free kick was lofted into the box, where Eric Lagos skied over Helleren to get his head on it, but his attempt went just left of the goal.

Both teams made changes at halftime. Just two minutes into the second half, Tsukanome received a pass from midfielder Sebastian Gomez that split the centerbacks and put him in on goal, where he slotted a left foot shot into the net to give Tacoma a 2-1 lead.

The second goal quieted the action a bit as WAC started finding more possession and Tacoma were unable to get out of their own half. Players continued to occasionally lose their footing in the wet conditions. Right after both teams made additional substitutions in the 71st minute, Tsukanome scored his second goal of the night after receiving a pass from Jackon Khoury at the top of the six-yard box and slotting a right-footed shot past the keeper.

A few minutes later, Tacoma had two quick shots in succession cleared off the line, one by the keeper and one by a defender. From there, WAC was unable to put much pressure on Tacoma, too often settling for long-distance shots from outside the box that didn’t threaten the Defiance.

Diese didn’t seem surprised that his side was able to come back to win.

“We knew that our training regimen was going to pass their ability to play against us,” he said. “Stick to the standards, stick to the principles and I guarantee you that the quality that we already have is going to score goals and that’s exactly what happened.”

The Defiance now move on to the Second Round of the Open Cup, which is scheduled to take place April 1 and 2.

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: NY Pancyprian Freedoms back in USOC, upset FC Cincinnati 2 in PKs

March 21, 2025 by Brandon Gee

Players from FC Cincinnati 2 (left) and NY Pancyprian Freedoms battle for the ball in a First Round match in the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Cortney Lesovoy/FC Cincinnati

The legendary New York Pancyprian Freedoms, three-time US Open Cup champions from the early 1980s, needed to rely on a strong defense and penalty kicks to move on in this years’ edition, securing a victory after a scoreless draw than ended with a 5-4 win on penalties against host FC Cincinnati 2 at NKU Soccer Stadium in northern Kentucky.

The shootout took an early turn in favor of the hosts as Luis Argudo of the Pancyprians skied his penalty chance in the second round. Cincinnati buried its next couple, even culminating in some celebratory dancing.

The shimmy would be short-lived, however, as Brandon Kristel missed his shot in the fifth round to draw the shootout back even. Jordan Bailon scored in the fifth for New York to send it to sudden death.

Cincinnati’s William Kuisel hit the bar on his attempt, leaving it for Pancyprian’s Jens Hoff to bury his shot to knock Cincinnati out of the Open Cup.

The result sends the Freedoms to the Second Round for the first since the last time they participated in the tournament back in 2016 (The Freedoms beat the New York Red Bulls U-23s 2-1 at Belson Stadium in Round 1).

New York, known for its energetic, pressing football, were content to sit back and let Cincinnati attempt to break them down through the course of the first half.

Cincinnati maintained possession and played the majority of the first 45 minutes in Pancyprian’s defensive third, but they were unable to create any truly dangerous opportunities. Meanwhile, New York attempted to spring a few counters but they were quickly snuffed out by either Cincinnati’s defense or a lack of reinforcements assisting on the runs.

The second half started where the first left off, as Cincinnati created the best chance of the game with a simple cross into the box, but the ensuing header was well-defended and gobbled up by Pancyprian’s keeper, Josh Levine.

The rest of the half was more of the same, with one last opportunity in regulation time by New York sliding sneakily just wide of the near post on a beautiful shot attempt. Extra time ensued, and despite a flurry of subs by both sides, Cincinnati continued to create the better chances but couldn’t find the back of the net. Extra time ended 0-0 and the match moved on to penalties.

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: South Georgia Tormenta comfortably advance, 3-0 vs. Harbor City

March 21, 2025 by Forrest Wimberly

Players from South Georgia Tormenta (white) and Harbor City FC battle for the ball in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Wade Wimberly | TheCup.us

The South Georgia Tormenta (USL League One) cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over visiting Harbor City FC (UPSL) in the First Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Thursday night in Statesboro, Ga.

Both teams battled the strong winds around the park during the match but it was the hosts who found the better run of play and the goals needed on the night to separate the two sides. Tormenta were the more aggressive side and Harbor City FC sat in a deep defensive block giving Tormenta the majority of possession and scoring opportunities.

Tormenta opened the scoring in the 23rd minute as Jonathan Nyandjo collected a floated ball across from the right flank and slotted it neatly into the bottom corner of the net through a crowded six-yard box for the 1-0 advantage. Tormenta looked to find a second goal late in the first half but were just off the mark to send the game to the half up one.

The second half saw Tormenta again create chances around the box but the hosts were just unable to find the final goal-scoring touch until the 75th minute when substitute Niall Reid-Stephen streaked into the box on the end of a Connor Doyle pass to bury the ball for a 2-0 lead.

Reid-Stephen had just subbed into the match in the 71st minute and made an immediate impact in the match. Just a few minutes after his first goal, he put the game out of question on a free kick as he curled a driven ball around the Harbor City FC wall at the top of the box in the 80th minute for the 3-0 final score line.

The driven free kick just swerved around the hip of the defender guarding the near post and Harbor City FC goalkeeper Bryce Notardonato was surprised low to the near post as the left-footed curler nestled in the back of the net.

When asked about the free kick after the game Reid-Stephen had a simple answer as to what he saw, “a goal,” he said with a huge smile. “I just struck it…from practice, after training every day I keep putting in the reps.”

The early rounds of the Open Cup are about a “survive and advance” mentality, said Tormenta head coach Ian Cameron.

“We are through, I don’t think we conceded too many chances,” he said. “We had control of the game in some tricky circumstances — the wind and a lack of atmosphere — as they we’re up and at it too aggressively, but we navigated the round to move on and see who we get in the next round.”

Round Two of the 2025 US Open Cup will be played April 1 and 2 and Tormenta now awaits the draw to see who they will face in the next match.

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Forward Madison pours it on late over 10-man Duluth FC

March 21, 2025 by Robert Chappell

Players from Forward Madison celebrate after scoring a goal against Duluth FC in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Forward Madison

A 10-man Duluth FC gave hosts Forward Madison a scrappy test for more than 70 minutes, but the pros proved too much in the end, scoring four goals in the final 16 minutes — three on assists by Devin Boyce — to post a 5-1 win on a chilly night at Breese Stevens Field.

The Mingos held the bulk of the possession as the visitors were content to sit deep and look for counters.

The visitors made a difficult task even harder in the 35th minute, with Aleksandar Mihov was sent off for a strike to the face of Nico Brown.

“They were sitting in a really low block and tough to break down,” Madison head coach Matt Glaeser said after the match. “The red card changes the game a little bit, but it didn’t really change a lot of what they were doing. They just had one less guy, which helps us, obviously.”

Wingback Ferrety Sousa opened the scoring four minutes later, with a dribbler from the top of the box that found its way through traffic — his first-ever goal for the Mingos in his second season with the club. That gave Forward Madison a 1-0 lead at half time.

“Happy that I got my first goal out of the way, got the weight off my shoulders, and he just kind of opened up my account there,” Sousa said.

Duluth leveled the scoreline against the run of play in the 64th when Forward Madison defender Jacob Crull misplayed a long ball forward off of his head into the path of Duluth’s Dylan Sumner. Madison goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley was up to the task for Sumner’s shot, but Mario Fernandez slotted the rebound home to tie the match at 1-1.

It was all Madison after that.

Two substitutes — midfielder Boyce, who didn’t play in Madison’s league opener last weekend due to injury, and wingback Eddie Munjoma, who came on for Sousa — combined on the goal that would ultimately prove the game winner, with Boyce tapping a cutback for Munjoma to guide into the far corner from about 12 yards out in the 73rd minute.

Juan Galindrez opened his 2025 account in the 86th minute with a stunning left-footed strike on the half-volley on a long ball over the top from Boyce.

Boyce’s third assist came three minutes into stoppage time, again chipping a long ball over the defense from the center stripe, this time into the run of fellow substitute John Murphy, Jr, who chipped it over Duluth keeper Adam Braman.

Starting the season injured “left me hungry to get back on the pitch with the guys,” Boyce said. “Obviously, when you’re left at home and the guys are opening up the season, it’s disappointing. I’ve been foaming at the mouth to get out there and play with the boys. It was a great feeling just to be out again and get back on the pitch.”

Galindrez sealed the deal three minutes later, first taking a long ball in behind and getting upended by Braman, earning a penalty. Galindrez took the shot from the spot, which Braman saved, only to see Galindrez casually tap in the rebound to give Forward Madison a fifth goal for the first time in club history.

“I was really pleased with the result, with the response after conceding,” Glaeser said. “In those moments, you have to be resilient. And I thought the guys did a nice job. And obviously the substitutions made an enormous impact on the game.”

Glaeser, who made a penalty shootout save to send the Fort Lauderdale Strikers through to the Third Round of the 2013 edition of the US Open Cup added his appreciation for the Cup matches.

“It’s why we do it. It’s so the little guys can have their day as well,” he said. “At some point, depending on who we get next, we’re going to be the little guy too.”

Sousa, who knows something about this tournament in making the final with Sacramento Republic in 2022, added that the Cup is “the most prestigious competition.

“It’s a very big platform for players in the lower leagues to show their talent,” he said. “I take this competition very seriously.”

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Charlotte Independence survive wild OT with Rough Riders

March 21, 2025 by Ben Land

Players from the Long Island Rough Riders (right) and the Charlotte Independence battle for the ball in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Long Island Rough Riders

The Long Island Rough Riders hosted the USL League One’s Charlotte Independence on a foggy evening in Uniondale, New York. Mitchel Field was the venue for the First Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup fixture where there were goals galore, especially late in the game. The final goal was scored by Rafael Jauregui who bagged a brace before being subbed off in extra time. The match ended 3-2 in favor of the visitors who were tested and nearly brought to the brink of elimination.

The Rough Riders had their first berth in the United States’ oldest soccer tournament since 2008. The Independence, conversely, were in the US Open Cup in 2024. The Rough Riders came into the match having lost four of their last five competitive matches. Charlotte entered the fixture in considerably better form having only lost two of their last five and keeping clean sheets in their two victories.

Charlotte are lucky to have the guidance and leadership of someone with over 70 Premier League appearances, assistant coach Gaberial Obertan. Obertan faced some of the best players in the world during his 15+ year career but gave respect to the minnows and American soccer in general after the match.

“We have kind of the same experience in Europe, small clubs playing against bigger clubs,” said Obertan, who spent time with Manchester United and Newcastle United as a player. “You know what to expect, it was a tough game. They made our lives really tough. College players are getting better and better. So, I was not surprised that the level was good.”

The level of the match was indeed good. Goal number one was a cracking strike in the 49th minute from Jacob Woznicki, who was recently drafted by the LA Galaxy. Woznicki sliced through the ball causing it to swerve dramatically into the roof of the net. The Nassau County-based side took the lead deservingly through him before momentum shifted toward the end of the second half.

There were chances galore throughout the match but it became skewed toward the visitors after a triple substitution from the Rough Riders about midway through the second half.

Jauregui, a 20-year-old for Charlotte, showed his promise tonight, leading the lines and finishing clinically when called upon. Undoubtedly man of the match.

The Rough Riders were resilient in the face of stacked odd and adversity. Fourteen minutes into extra time, the ball was whipped into the box from the right hand side about waist high for Charlotte’s Christian Chaney. Chaney contorted his body to execute a delicious scissor kick resulting in the net piercing for Charlotte’s second.

Almost immediately after the Chaney front flip, back hand spring celebration, two more goals came, with one of them icing the game.

Less than a minute after Chaney’s goal the Rough Riders were back into the game. Elia Khodri met a poor clearance off a set piece with a thunderous first time volley from about 15 yards from goal to tie the game back up at 2-2.

After some stoppage time for the goals, the first half of extra time ended and the opening minutes of the second half belonged to the Independence. They controlled possession and in the 107th minute a low cross was fired in from the left wing near the end line and a Long Island defender attempted to clear it to safety. The defender played the ball up the field but it fell right to the foot of Jauregui who volleyed it past the helpless goalkeeper to give them a lead that they would not relinquish.

“Our staff did a good job of not downplaying them,” said Charlotte captain and right back Clay Dimick about the importance of sealing the game after taking the lead in the 107th minute. “Our mentality is brilliant and I think that’s one thing that is going to carry us throughout the season.”

The Jacks defense would hold strong for the last 13 minutes as the club would win their opening game for the third year in a row. It also marked the first time in club history that they won a game that ended after extra time and didn’t go to penalty kicks.

Charlotte will play again in seven days versus the Chattanooga Red Wolves who narrowly avoided defeat in penalties in Newark on Tuesday night.

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Capacity crowd in Maine watches Portland Hearts of Pine earn historic win

March 21, 2025 by Zoe Schaedle

Portland Hearts of Pine players celebrate after scoring a goal against CD Faialense in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Kailah Greenberg

Portland Heart of Pines celebrated the club’s debut game with a reounding 4-0 victory over CD Faialense at a foggy Franklin Athletic Complex in Lewiston, Maine. Hearts advanced to the Second Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup led by a brace from forward Azaad Liadi who is on a season-long loan from Lexington SC in USL League One.

CD Faialense, based out of Cambridge, Mass. were the Bay State Soccer League (BSSL) Division One champions in back-to-back years (2023 and 2024). Coached by Paul Correia, the CD Faialense looked to counter quickly and capitalize on set pieces. The Portland Pines, led by head coach Bobby Murphy, showed strength in the midfield led by Varela and teammate Ollie Wright who joined Hearts from Huntsville City FC where he was club’s all-time leader in appearances and assists.

It was standing room only at the stadium with a reported crowd of 3,281 in attendance. The venue in Lewiston was chosen because the multi-million dollars renovation of Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland is not completed yet.

That crowd witnessed Maine soccer history on Thursday night. It marked the first competitive game for the Pine Tree State’s first-ever professional soccer team. According to TheCup.us records, in the 109 previous editions of the US Open Cup, there have only been six games played by Maine clubs and all of them were by amateur side GPS Portland Phoenix between 2012-2017. Out of those six matches, only one of them was a win.

Portland didn’t take long to get on the path toward equaling that win total. The opening goal scored in the 17th minute by midfielder Walter Varela marked the first goal in program history. The composed right-footed finish slotted past the hands of Lucas Verge completed a quick attack up the left wing.

The Pines enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half, dominating CD Faialense in shots, 7-3. Dynamic movement from outside backs Jaden Jones-Riley and Nathan Messer (who gave the Pines a four-goal lead in the 68th minute) were key to the Pines attack.

Liadi’s first goal of the night was scored at the 29th minute when the forward connected a left footed volley off of a cross from teammate Titus Washington.

CD Faialense began to apply pressure towards the end of the first half, but often failed to connect passes in the midfield. An early sub at the 43rd minute for midfielder Guilherme Barbosa left CD Faialense scoreless at half despite two free kicks from outside.

Despite renewed pressure from CD Faialense, the Pines were able to capitalize in the 62nd minute off a rebounded shot. Liadi collected his second goal of the day with a right footed finish off of a save from Titus Washington’s shot.

Six minutes later, 23-year-old Nathan Messer hammered home a left footed inswinger off of a free kick. Now leading 4-0, the Pines subbed in Lewiston native midfielder Kahlid Hersi who is the first player from Maine to join the club. Hersi, who helped lead Lewiston High School to a 2019 state final his freshman year, had a warm reception from fans.

Despite heavy pressure from CD Faialense at the end resulting in two saves from keeper Hunter Morse who assisted FC Cincinnati in winning the Northeast Division title in 2024, the Pines maintained the shut out.

Moving forward, for Head Coach Bobby Murphy, fast transitions and direct play will be the key to the Pines’ success. When asked about Portland’s style of play, Head Coach Bobby Murphy replied “I think possession is one of the most misleading stats in the game. It doesn’t equate the goals, so we want to be effective in our possession.”

In a post-game interview, Murphy also emphasized the importance of capturing the momentum of a strong start. He discussed the challenges of managing a young team and the importance of veteran guidance within personnel.

The Portland Hearts of Pine will face Naples FC for the regular season on March 29 in Naples, Florida.

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: LAFC dominates from start to finish with 7-1 win over FC Arizona

March 21, 2025 by Ignacio Cervantes

Players from LAFC 2 celebrate after scoring a goal against FC Arizona in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: LAFC 2

In this year’s edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, Los Angeles FC 2 has been tasked with representing defending champions, and parent club, Los Angeles FC.

In the first round, The Black and Gold reserves felt the responsibility ahead, but managed to coast to a 7-1 win over FC Arizona from the National Premier Soccer League at Titan’s Stadium in Fullerton, Calif.

“It’s a big responsibility on us,” said LAFC 2 midfielder Bryan Moyado, who featured in this competition with the first team two years ago. “But everyone’s up to the challenge.

“We have a strong group and everyone knows that if we all fight together we’re going to make a good run and defend our championship.”

Tommy Mihalic, who was revealed as a new signing five days ago, opened his LAFC 2 account in fashion with a pair of assist and goal while Sebastian Nava and Jude Terry also shined.

FC Arizona midfielder Gabriel Waters put the visitors on the board at the hour mark — but not before the hosts had notched four of their own beyond goalkeeper Derek Hatcher.

LAFC 2 got the scoring started early when Matthew Evans met Mihalic’s low cross with a left-footed finish from just inside the box after 89 seconds.

Before The Black and Gold extended its lead, the visitors managed to create an opportunity to equalize through Jesse Maldonado.

His give-and-go with Waters led the former into the box with a clear chance at goal which resulted in a shot that whistled just wide of the post.

“I think I’m not going to sleep tonight or maybe a couple of days because of that,” FC Arizona head coach Alejandro Aguilar said. “That lapse, we started to control the game a little bit for seven minutes.

We had that chance and suddenly they break us and they score the second goal.”

FCA’s best passage of play came during the time between LAFC 2’s first and second goals — the second came after 27 minutes when Terry laced a shot on target from distance that went straight at Hatcher who should have done better at keeping the ball out of the net.

The goal was assisted by Mihalic and marked the 16-year-old’s first goal as a professional, setting The Black and Gold up for a commanding final 15 minutes in the first half.

Mihalic added to his pair of assists just before the break with a goal from close range.

Alex Hughes’ attempt on goal was saved by Hatcher, but only as far as Mihalic who pounced on the rebound to slash it into the net for a 3-0 lead at halftime.

“Even when we were 3-0 up at halftime,” LAFC 2 head coach Junior Gonzalez said. “I was not as happy with our defensive structure and some of our pressure.

“They had some good chances and good combination play where I think they could have scored one or two in the first half — in the second half we sheared that up a little bit and I was happy that the players were able to take the information and change behaviors in the second half.”

Terry added his second three minutes after the break with a clinical, first-time shot from just inside the box to put the hosts 4-0 up before Waters’ opener for FCA.

Evans got his second after 65 minutes from a snap-shot that beat Hatcher — who saved nine of LAFC 2’s 16 shots on target.

Nava added the game’s seventh goal with 8 minutes remaining and substitute Kairo Walters finished off LAFC 2’s scoring in stoppage time.

“It’s a special scenario,” Gonzalez said. “where our second team is defending the cup that the first team earned last season so we made sure the players knew the history of the open cup and how important it is for football in our country. And it’s a privilege that the club allowed us to compete in it.”

The Black and Gold will have to wait for the announcement from US Soccer for its next opponent in the Second Round which is set to be played between April 1-2.

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Spokane Velocity scores in final seconds of OT to edge Ballard FC

March 21, 2025 by Bruce Corrie

Players from Spokane Velocity and Ballard FC (red) battle for the ball in a First Round match in the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Spokane Velocity FC

Spokane Velocity made the trek across the Evergreen State Wednesday night for their second straight opening matchup against The Bridges of Ballard FC. These two sides have become familiar foes in the last two renditions of the Open Cup.

In the 2024 Open Cup First Round, Ballard FC found themselves in a deadlock through 97 minutes before Andre Lewis of Spokane dealt the final blow. Spokane took the result in stride, sneaking through to the USL League 1 playoffs only to lose out in the league Final vs Union Omaha 3-0 in their debut season; paired with an Open Cup exit in the Third Round against Las Vegas Lights in a 2-1 loss.

Ballard FC brought a roster bolstered with some of the best amateur players the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Former Seattle Sounders legend and Ballard Coach James Riley would face yet another test getting his squad up to speed in their toughest match of the season against the fully professional in-state foes.

Ballard would not be out of their depth in the slightest. Big-game pedigree runs in the Ballard veins coming off of a USL League 2 National Title in 2023, and 2024 Northwest Division Champions in their first two seasons. With excitement in the air for a 2024 Open Cup Round 1 rematch, late addition Kelyn Rowe, former Seattle Sounder and USMNT player, joined the ranks of Ballard’s midfield to bring the experience and stability of an experienced professional to hopefully turn the tide.

You couldn’t have asked for a better night of classic PNW soccer. Wind and rain would never stop the Ballard Faithful packing Interbay Stadium. The sellout crowd was mixed with Spokane’s traveling possie who hoped to see success following a weekend match and with eight new signings taking part in the game.

The match kicked off at 7:36pm. Ballard approached the game with physicality and work rate at the forefront of their tactics.

In the 11th minute the newfound rivalry showed its colors. Charlie Kosakoff stuck right in with a crunching tackle on Spokane Captain Colin Fernandez. Kelsey Harms under center as the night’s match official had her hands full moments later, in the 14th minute, she found herself managing a shove-scuffle with Spokane providing an equally bold sliding challenge that couldn’t feel any more retaliatory to Kosakoff’s antics just a few minutes prior.

It took 20 minutes until attacking football could shine through. Spokane had Ballard pinned in their defensive third, working the ball around from right to left before service was whipped into a busy penalty area. Unfortunately for Spokane, Ballard blocked several attempts ultimately clearing the box with a shoulder-ed deflection. Ballard goalkeeper Charles Lanphier easily scooped the deflected ball and found the counter down their right side indicating that until they could relieve the forward pressure of Spokane, this would be their main success to disrupt Spokane’s high position.

Spokane kept pressure on in the 24th Minute. Bryce Meredith got the positioning edge over Ballard captain Joseph Dale on the left flank. Reaching to stop the advance, Dale caught Meredith on a sliding challenge. Spokane kept possession so advantage was played, but it wouldn’t be long before the official returned to Dale to take his name down awarding a rightfully earned yellow card.

Ballard’s disruptive and aggressive challenges began to take a toll on Spokane. Spokane’s reliance on direct action played into Ballard’s hands. Previously victimized Bryce Meredith didn’t forgive the force shown against him minutes prior; and in the 28th minute chopped down Andre Philibbosian in a late tackle from behind after losing the ball at his feet.

The first half saw both sides level at 0-0. Aside from Spokane’s intermittent advances and Ballard’s hopeful counter-attacking runs, it remained a fairly uneventful first 45.

The second half kicked off at 8:41pm, Ballard having the chance to close the match out attacking toward their standing supporters on the East–end of the stadium.

It was relatively quiet in the first quarter of an hour in the second half; however with the score in a deadlock and both teams antsy to find the net, the field began to open up giving the Ballard faithful all the more reason to will their club into an advantage.

Ballard saw their countering pay off in the 65th minute. Davis Mungomba cut off a Spokane probing pass through the midfield. With Spokane caught spread out, he found Philibbosian on the counter with a ball, completely taking Spokane out of the defensive phase. Alex Mejia took a run across Spokane’s right back, settling the ball on his left foot at the top of the box and with a quick-snap strike forcing Spokane goalkeeper Ryan Bilichuk into a decisive save down to his left.

Spokane was woken right back up. Bilichuk’s save injected the confidence and momentum they needed to get back on the front foot. Wave after wave of testing crosses and advancements down the wing ensued from then on.

Even through the Spokane pressure, Ballard was adamantly refusing easy play in their defensive third. Ballard goalkeeper Lanphier was called on to punch a 70th minute cross clear through traffic, but as the clock neared 90 minutes it was destined to see extra time. The Bridgekeepers and the rest of the Ballard faithful would be treated to free soccer.

In the first half of extra time, Spokane connected down the right side of the pitch as Ballard gave away a questionable throw in. In the 100th minute Masango Akale was found through the center of the 18 yard box and taken down after a heavy touch put him out of reach to do anything more in the attack.

The ensuing clearance allowed Ballard to work down their right side immediately. Alex Mejia beat the Spokane defenders on the end line after a failed clearance, serving a cutting ball across the 6 yd box. To the anguish of the Ballard Faithful, Mungomba scuffed the shot to relieve Spokane for the time being.

It appeared both sides were content going to penalties. For the next 18 minutes, going into the 120th minute, threats toward goal didn’t amount to more than half-chances.

Then, to the horror of Ballard, Spokane’s Nil Vinyals took advantage of a high-stepped Ballard midfield getting the ball to the feet of Neco Brett 30 yards out in the center of the pitch. With an easy turn to goal, Brett slipped a pass to Anuar Peláez sitting at the top of the penalty area – who fired toward goal. Ballard’s Harrison Bertos reached for the block, which took a nasty spinning deflection down into the turf and over Lanphier’s top hand.

1 – 0 to Spokane.

Ballard pushed back with seconds as a luxury. Throwing numbers forward. Desperation hanging in the air at Interbay Stadium.

In the 123rd minute, Ballard collected the ball in the middle of the field and into the path of Austin Brummett. Brummett had a window from 25 yards out, and smashed the ball toward the back post. Bilichuk used every inch of his wingspan and tipped away the ball just as it seemed to be dipping in for a sure-fire goal.

In a last gasp as the clock ticked into the 125th minute, Ballard’s Lanphier collected a recovered pass at the top of his box to distribute to Sean Sent in acres of space in the center-circle. With a driving run forward Sent picked out Nii Engmann with a driven ball onto his head, bypassing Spokane’s exhausted midfielders. Engmann’s deft flick forward found the overlapping run of Harrison Bertos. Bertos beat his defender, redirecting the ball in the back of the net! To Ballard’s dismay, the checkered flag shoots up for offside amid a chaotic, celebratory, Interbay Stadium. Heartbreak…

Following two hours of soccer, nail-biting late drama, and Bilichuk’s heroics, the victory was sealed for Spokane.

After the match Spokane’s netminder was “buzzing” with the result after celebrating the victory with the Velocity away supporters.

“It was a tough game, tough conditions, but we just grinded through the game. Props to the team for fighting through 120 minutes” said Ryan; ultimately highlighting the intensity and skill Ballard brought to Interbay Wednesday night.

Once again, Ballard had come within a hair’s breadth of open cup glory. Once again, it was snatched away at the death by the Spokane Velocity. For Nii Engmann, the brother of Ballard FC veteran Christian Engmann, it was his first experience in what is becoming a macabre tradition for The Bridges.

“We brought it right from the start. came out with an energy that I don’t think was matched. At the end of the day the professionals had their say and even though it was a pretty fair game, sometimes the football gods are not on your side…”

“It’s a tough way to lose.”

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Xavi Gnaulati’s brace helps Monterey Bay beat Inter San Francisco, 4-0

March 21, 2025 by Jacob Van Roekel

Players from Monterey Bay FC celebrate after scoring a goal against Inter San Francisco in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Kiera Winslow | Monterey Bay FC

Monterey Bay FC hosted Inter San Francisco for the First Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, on a chilly night at Cardinale Stadium. The home squad were the heavy favorites in the match, despite starting four players who had not made a USL Championship appearance this year.

In a game in which Monterey Bay FC had 12 more shots, and eight more on goal (9-1), the hosts showed total pitch domination, knocking out Inter San Francisco, in their 4-0 clean sheet victory. MBFC’s possession advantage of 65% to ISF’s 35% further expressed how in control Jordan Stewart’s club was.

The night’s featured Xavi Gnaulati recording a brace within the first half of action, the San Diego native’s first points of the early season. Gnaulati did his damage on a pair of lovely one touch finishes, off crossing passes from both Luke Ivanovic and Alex Dixon. Monterey Bay FC tallied twice more, with both goals coming off centering passes from the left and right wing. Mobi Fehr scored for the first time in 2025, and Ilijah Paul converted his second goal of the year to account for the other two net-finding shots.

The match was underway at 7:04 p.m Pacific, and by 7:06 p.m., Fehr had already put the ball in the back of Inter San Francisco’s net. The 2’ goal was set up after MBFC had an attack down the left sidelines, all before a touchy crossing pass by Dixon. This ignited the home crowd, and the Bay Area visitors were feeling the Union’s roar.

Inter San Francisco had attacking moments as well in the early minutes, but the defense in front of MBFC’s keeper Sam Gomez did enough to keep the attacks out of the net.

Just over halfway through the opening half, Monterey Bay FC made another charge down the right side. After a good clearance up the center by MBFC’s defense and midfielders, Ivanovic found himself with a head of steam coming the other way. Due to ISF’s aggression, they left their side of the field outnumbered, and Gnaulati made no mistake of the open box, scoring a classy one timer off his right boot in the 25’.

After an injury scare to one of MBFC’s players at midfield nearing the end of the half, the fourth official signaled for four minutes of stoppage time. Monterey Bay capitalized quickly with the scoreboard clock stopped, as Gnaulati once again sent a powerful strike past Inter SF’s goalie Jesus Rangel Medina. Gnaulati’s second goal came off a feed by the 35-year-old Dixon, who was given high words of praise from his coach post-game, with Jordan Stewart stating “he’s a veteran… an experienced guy so he knows how to play. He’s one of the leaders in our group… he still looks 21.”

The goal capped off a dominant first 45 minutes, with MBFC heading to the locker rooms on top 3-0.

The second half featured more possession time domination by MBFC, as they seemed focussed on preserving the lead. Despite keeping ISF off the scoresheet, Jordan Stewart felt the team “got a bit sloppy in the second half, especially with the scoreline, it’s natural to kind of ease off the pedal.”

While the scoring came down in the final 45 minutes, Ilijah Paul took home the lone goal of the entire second half in the 84’, finishing off a cross from the left wing by Adrian Rebollar.

Monterey Bay FC held strong for the final 11 minutes of regulation, gaining its first shutout victory of the season. Despite the wind, and temperatures dropping into the 40s, the home crowd cheered and sang all throughout the night.

Monterey Bay FC now awaits Second Round competition, but will have a road USL Championship game on Saturday, March 22, making for a quick recovery period before a date versus Orange County SC.

Inter San Francisco will look to regroup before its next SFSFL Premier match versus SF Young Boys on Sunday, March 23.