Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2025 US Open Cup

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Greenville Triumph need PKs to survive amateurs from Asheville City

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Greenville Triumph SC players and fans celebrate during the club's First Round match against Asheville City in the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Greenville Triumph SC
Greenville Triumph SC players and fans celebrate during the club’s First Round match against Asheville City in the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Greenville Triumph SC

Asheville City SC threw everything and the kitchen sink at USL League One side Greenville Triumph SC Tuesday night, forcing penalties after 120 minutes of scoreless action between the two Carolina sides. However, Sebastian Velasquez drove the nail in the coffin on Asheville’s chances of advancing, scoring the winning penalty as the Triumph took the shootout 4-3.

“Someone actually got in my head from the crowd and they reminded me of 2013, of the MLS Cup where I missed a PK and he kept saying my name and saying ‘I remember Kansas City’,” Velasquez recalled. 

Velasquez, who was born in Colombia but grew up in the Upstate of South Carolina, felt this was his chance to redeem himself with this Greenville team and for his hometown. For Triumph head coach Rick Wright, he believed Velasquez would seal the deal and send Greenville to the next round.

“We know it’s never over until it’s over he’s very secure. He’s a vet, you know? He’s our last guy,” Wright said.

Despite a rather uneventful first half, Greenville were the more dominant side but neither them or Asheville could find their place in the match. The first big chance for either side came in the 57th minute when Asheville’s Simon Carlson took a shot well beyond 25 yards but it flew over the bar. A few minutes later, Greenville’s Leo Castro saw his shot saved by Francois Djiba. The Triumph had a chance to seal it in the 87th minute but Ropapa Mensah’s shot went just wide.

In added extra time, it was Asheville City who were the more dominating side, with big chances coming in the 95th, 101st and 109th minutes. The 101st was the biggest chance where the ball trickled into the center of the box, right to Asheville’s Robby Lyons only to see it sail over the crossbar.

“You’re going to miss chances like that but he’s a strong kid. He’ll learn from it but overall, his performance was fantastic,” said Asheville City head coach Scott Wells following the loss.

In the shootout, both sides traded goals in the first two rounds. Greenville took advantage after Asheville’s Victor Stromsten saw his spot kick saved by Seth Torman. Asheville managed to get the advantage back after Ropapa Mensah had his penalty saved, only to see the advantage dissipate in the next penalty as Johnny Fenwick hit it with too much power and it caromed off the crossbar.

Enter Sebastian Velasquez, who slotted the penalty home with ease and went on to celebrate with the traveling fans that made the roughly 60-plus mile journey from the Upstate to Greenwood Field in Asheville Tuesday night.

“We’re not happy about the performance but I think resilience brought us together as a team and we were able to win,” Velasquez said. 

The Triumph will take on fellow USL League One side Westchester SC in the next round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. That match is set to be played on either April 1st or 2nd.

No matter what, Wright said his team is looking forward to the next round.

“We’ve upset some people before, you know. We beat Oakland a couple of years ago,” Wright recalled, also mentioning the scares his side gave Louisville City and Charlotte FC in the past few seasons. “Like you say, the magic of the cup. I know that the guys look forward to it.”

 

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Miami FC cruises to 4-1 home win over Naples United FC

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Francisco Bonfiglio of Miami FC celebrates after scoring a goal against Naples United FC in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Miami FC
Francisco Bonfiglio of Miami FC celebrates after scoring a goal against Naples United FC in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Miami FC

On a crisp night at FIU Soccer Stadium, Miami FC and Naples United squared off in the first round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Miami FC, the home side, took control of the match and eventually sealed a dominant victory, 4-1, though both teams struggled to find attacking rhythm early on. Francisco Bonfiglio led Miami FC with a first half brace.

With the win, Miami FC advances to the Second Round after falling in the opening match last year to South Georgia Tormenta FC, 4-2. Miami improves to 9-6-1 all-time in the tournament.

First Half: A Slow Start and a Breakthrough

The match kicked off at 7:03 p.m., with Miami FC donning their all-orange kits, while Naples United, the amateurs from the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) lined up in royal blue. Miami set up in a 4-3-1-2 formation, while Naples opted for a 4-4-2, looking to maintain defensive structure against their more experienced opponents.

The opening 15 minutes saw Miami FC dominate possession, yet neither team could establish a clear attacking threat. Miami’s first real opportunity came in the 15th minute, when a set piece led to a chance inside the box, only for the ball to deflect off Daltyn Knutson’s back, denying them a clean shot on goal.

The best opportunity of the first half arrived in the 22nd minute, when Miami FC broke through for a one-on-one opportunity, but failed to convert. Meanwhile, Naples United struggled to create much offensively, their first real look at goal coming in the 35th minute off a free kick, after Daltyn Knutson conceded a foul just outside the box.

With pressure mounting, Miami FC finally found the breakthrough in the 41st minute. A perfectly placed cross from the right side met the head of Francisco Bonfiglio, who directed it past the keeper to the left side of the goal, giving Miami a 1-0 lead. Five minutes later, during the stoppage time, Bonfiglio got his brace and increased Miami FC’s lead to 2-0 going into the break.

Second Half: Miami Pulls Away

Naples United made a couple of substitutions at halftime, and their adjustments paid off with a few promising attacks early in the second half. However, Miami FC remained in control and continued to push forward.

As Miami built their lead to 3-0 with a timely goal by Allen Gavilanes, they shifted tactics moving to a three-man backline to manage the game and solidify their dominance. It took only a few minutes for Miami FC to secure their 4th goal of the night, by way of Tobias Zarate, virtually ending all hope for a Naples United comeback.

In the closing moments of the games, Naples United forward Jorge Moreno was able to get one back for the visitors to avoid the shutout.

A notable storyline of the night was the presence of Juan Sebastián Verón’s son,  Deian Veron, who wore the #11 jersey for Miami FC, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the match.

In the end, Miami FC’s experience and tactical discipline proved too much for Naples United, as they secured a convincing 4-1 victory to advance in the U.S. Open Cup.

Final Thoughts

Despite a slow start, Miami FC asserted themselves as the superior side, finding key goals at the right moments to take control. Naples United showed resilience but lacked the cutting edge needed to capitalize on their chances. With this win, Miami FC moves on to the next round, looking to continue their cup run.

“Happy, above all, for the team, and also on a personal level because I was able to help the team win,” said Francisco Bonfiglio after the game. “It was important to win today. It’s a cup match, it’s a single-elimination game, and if we lose, we’re out. Also, it’s the team’s first victory of the year, so a lot to look forward too.”

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: AV ALTA FC beat Ventura County Fusion in club’s inaugural match

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Sebastian Cruz of AV ALTA FC fires a shot against Ventura County FC in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: AV ALTA FC
Sebastian Cruz of AV ALTA FC fires a shot against Ventura County FC in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: AV ALTA FC

It was a frigid night of firsts for AV ALTA FC as they defeated Ventura County Fusion FC 3-1 Tuesday night in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Fans were bouncing, excited to see AV ALTA in the newly remodeled Lancaster Municipal Stadium. The first goal in club history came from Jerry Desundes, who recorded a brace. AV ALTA’s first US Open Cup saw them win 62% possession and pour on 19 shots, 10 of which were on target.

From the beginning, AV ALTA sought to retain possession through simple and effective passing. After probing the Ventura County defense, a breakthrough came in the 28th minute after physical hold up play by Joaquin Acuna allowed Desundes to find some space and smash the ball in the back of the net.

Ventura County equalized after a long ball was sent to a streaking Buba Fofanah behind AV ALTA’s defense in the 42nd minute. The celebrations were halted before half time when AV ALTA was awarded a penalty in the third minute of stoppage time after a poor tackle from Dorian Drucks. Desundes’ slow approach led to a powerful penalty shot which put AV ALTA up going into half time.

The second half continued to focus on effective passes and putting pressure on the defense. It paid off early in the second half as c dashed towards goal and beat Drucks to make it 3-1.

A penalty was awarded in the 75th minute after Jerry Desundes was taken down in the box. As Desundes stepped to the spot the crowd chanted “Jerry, Jerry” a la the Jerry Springer show. This time, Drucks stretched to save the penalty. ALTA ensured Ventura County had little time on the ball for the rest of the match, earning the club a 3-1 win, the first in club history

After the match, Desundes said the team wanted to give the supporters a good showing after the last match.

“Losing the first match made us work harder as a team. We wanted to give the fans things to cheer for”.

 

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: FC Tulsa avenges loss to Tulsa Athletic in third part of derby trilogy

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Taylor Calheira of FC Tulsa celebrates after scoring a PK goal against Tulsa Athletic in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Tulsa
Taylor Calheira of FC Tulsa celebrates after scoring a PK goal against Tulsa Athletic in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Tulsa

The conditions were ripe for a “Cupset” for quite a while, but in the end, FC Tulsa refused to comply with the script.

Despite an outstanding performance from Tulsa Athletic goalkeeper Jakub Grzesiak, FC Tulsa finally broke through when Taylor Calheira converted a penalty kick in the 84th minute, enabling the USL Championship club to pull out a 1-0 victory in hostile territory at Athletic Community Field at Hicks Park in Tulsa on Tuesday night, in the first round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament.

Battling through intense wind, featuring gusts of up to 40 miles per hour, FC Tulsa survived the scare and advanced to the second round of the tournament against a still-to-be-determined opponent.

“We expected it to be very difficult, we talked about how it was going to be all about mentality, because of the conditions,” FC Tulsa coach Luke Spencer said afterwards. “The field is in no shape to play on, we knew that coming in, and with the wind as strong as it was, the game was never going to shape up to be a proper football game. From that standpoint, we’re very proud of the group. We showed some real character, some real fight and determination to find a way to win.”

With Athletic playing a man down from the 67th minute, a hand ball was called in the box in the 83rd minute, sending Calheira to the dot. He fired low, just inside the left goalpost, to beat Grzesiak for what became the game-winning goal.

“That’s what you practice for, and you just got to take the pressure and step up to take it and just be confident,” Calheira said of his mindset stepping up for the PK. “In the end, it won us the game and I’m happy about it, but it was a great team effort, and we couldn’t do it without the clean sheet and the defense today. It was great.”

It was a tough result for the home side to deal with, as they were hoping for a repeat of their big upset win over FC Tulsa in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup second round. With Grzesiak making at least four spectacular saves in the game, and nine total, Athletic managed to fend off the more skilled FC Tulsa for most of the night.

“I thought we had some really good moments in the game,” said Athletic coach John Woodhead. “With the game plan, we executed it to a T. We’ve been working really hard in training, and unfortunately, two big decisions didn’t go our way tonight. The sending off (of Vargas) was questionable, and obviously, the PK, he has handled it, however before that, there was an action that led him to handle it, and it didn’t get called.

“I’m super-proud of the boys. We worked our (butts) off, most of the fellas have been at work since 7 a.m. today, so to take them 90 minutes, to get a penalty one man down, it is what it is.”

As the game continued, FC Tulsa continued to press, refusing to get frustrated by the outstanding stops from Grzesiak. They stayed with the game plan and it paid off in the end.

“We stuck to the process, kept on believing, and the belief of this group is high,” Spencer said of his team, which has gotten off to a strong 2-0 start in the USL Championship season. “We thought down the stretch that we would get something. I thought Edwin (Laszo) coming on as a sub (in the 66th minute) gave us something in the attack, and credit to their ‘keeper, Jakub, he came up big multiple times. He kept them in it, but we were happy to get the penalty at the end, for sure.”

There has been some animosity in the past between these two teams from the same city, the plucky, amateur Athletic having built up a solid, loyal following over the years, despite having led a somewhat nomadic existence at times, with about five different homes over the past 10 years. Meanwhile, the professional FC Tulsa team, which plays in downtown Tulsa, has had its ups and downs in the USL Championship, missing the playoffs in each of the past three seasons.

Those tensions seemed to spill over onto the pitch Tuesday night, with tempers flaring and multiple yellow cards given to both sides.

Spencer, whose bench received a yellow card of their own right before halftime, said his team was ready for the physicality of the contest.

Ultimately, that ended up really hurting the Athletic when star defender Gustavo Vargas was shown his second yellow of the night in the 67th minute, turning into a red card ejection and leaving his team a man short the rest of the way.

Woodhead believes that was a turning point. His team had the wind behind them and some momentum at the time, especially after Luis Flores had just had their best scoring opportunity off a corner kick in the 60th minute that forced FC Tulsa goalkeeper Johan Penaranda to make an excellent leaping save.

“I felt like we were having a spell and that was our time to get a goal, and obviously, the sending off ruined that for us,” Woodhead said. “It’s tough, the sending off obviously spoils the game and gives them the favor. Sometimes, the pro side coming to town, they get a few decisions. It is what it is.”

The Athletic, who won the NPSL National Championship in 2023 playing out of nearby Claremore, moved over to the UPSL last season (and back to Hicks Park) before joining the fledgling The League for Clubs for the upcoming 2025 season. To get into the U.S. Open Cup, they had to win three games during the amateur Midwest Region qualifying tournament last Fall. They defeated FC Bartlesville Buffaloes 4-0 on Oct. 26, then beat Woodland (Kansas) FC 8-0 on Nov. 16 before taking down Chicago House AC 0-0 (5-4 in PKs) in Elmhurst, Illinois, on Dec. 8 to make it in for the fourth straight year.

This was the third time these teams met in U.S. Open Cup play, with each having won once in the previous two contests. FC Tulsa won the first head-to-head matchup in the second round of 2022’s tournament with a 2-1 victory at their home stadium in downtown Tulsa, ONEOK Field, and the Athletic pulled off the stunning 1-0 upset in 2023’s U.S. Open Cup second round here at Hicks Field.

Last year, the Athletic lost 4-1 to USL1’s Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in the first round, preventing another potential meeting in the third round, when FC Tulsa entered the tournament and beat the Hailstorm 2-1 at ONEOK Field. FC Tulsa went on to beat fellow USL Championship side Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 1-0 in the Round of 32 before falling 4-0 to Sporting Kansas City of MLS in the Round of 16, marking their deepest U.S. Open Cup run in their history.

Early on in this one, the Athletic survived several outstanding scoring chances over the first 15 minutes, as Grzesiak made outstanding diving saves in the seventh minute on Boubacar Diallo’s 25-yard blast from the left side and on Owen Damm’s 20-yard shot in the 12th minute.

While FC Tulsa still enjoyed the territorial advantage over the next 15 minutes or so, generating several corner kicks and shots that missed the target, the Athletic started pushing back. Flores drilled a 30-yard shot that forced Penaranda to make a good save in the 35th minute.

Tension and tempers started to bubble over in the final minutes of the first half as there were multiple confrontations between players, and three yellow cards handed out in a two-minute span in stoppage time.

Multiple cards were handed out in the second half as well.

Five minutes after Vargas was ejected, Calheira nearly set up a goal, but his pass was re-directed in front by Stefan Stojanovic, resulting in another excellent stop by Grzesiak.

The Athletic had another great chance to take the lead in the 77th minute, when Flores boomed a 35-yard free kick that appeared headed for the upper right corner, but Penaranda made an outstanding diving stop to keep the score level.

Even though the home side Athletic had far more supporters in the crowd, FC Tulsa also had a vocal contingent of fans on hand. It was really a nice showing for the Tulsa soccer community overall.

“There was great fans, great atmosphere tonight,” Calheira acknowledged. “There’s no excuses of course, but the wind, the field, but in the end, you fight. It’s about passion and who wanted it more. We wanted it and we weren’t going to lose today.”

 

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Brayan Padilla’s brace helps FORO SC earn 2nd straight pro team upset

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FORO SC circle up after the club's 2-1 extra time win over Texoma FC in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Jimbec Photography - IG @jimbec_photography
FORO SC circle up after the club’s 2-1 extra time win over Texoma FC in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Jimbec Photography – IG @jimbec_photography

In what was Texoma FC’s first-ever match, they fell short in the opening round of the US Open Cup to FORO SC. FORO SC won 2-1 with both goals coming from forward Brayan Padilla. Texoma’s lone goal came from forward Bryan McManus. 

“The game was everything you expect to happen on this tournament,” said FORO SC head coach Alejandro Radilla. “At the end our boys showed the composure to stay in the game and come out with the victory.”

Early on, Texoma took control of the game but could not capitalize. In what looked like the moment they would take an early lead, Bryan McManus put the ball narrowly over the crossbar. McManus then went on to put the ball in the back of the net in the 19th minute but was ruled out for offside. Shortly after, FORO SC would be awarded a penalty for a handball against Texoma which Brayan Padilla would slot home comfortably to put Foro 1-0 up. 

Texoma still managed to control the game until disaster struck in the 26th minute when Texoma midfielder Ozzie Ramos was shown a straight red on the counter attack for denial of a goal scoring opportunity. 

While FORO enjoyed the main share of possession playing 11 v 10, the game would find a way to balance itself when Nate Kopetsky of FORO was given a red card after a tackle which led to a mass altercation alongside the Texoma FC bench. FORO held onto their 1-0 lead into half. 

Going into the second half, both managers down to ten men decided not to make any changes. In the 58th minute, on the counterattack, John Paul Jordan II played a lovely through ball to Lamin Jawneh who then put it into the box and Bryan McManus wound up on the other end of it to equalize at 1-1. 

Late in the match both coaches tried to change their luck by using a couple of substitutions. None of the subs were able to make a major difference and the match ended 1-1 despite a clear cut chance from Texoma’s Solomon Asante in the 93rd minute in which he barely put the ball over the top with a header. 

FORO SC players celebrate during the club's extra time win over Texoma FC in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Jimbec Photography - IG @jimbec_photography
FORO SC players celebrate during the club’s extra time win over Texoma FC in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Jimbec Photography – IG @jimbec_photography

The decisive goal would come in the 100th minute from Brayan Padilla which would give him a brace on the night and ultimately give FORO SC the win over Texoma FC. 

The win marked the second year in a row that FORO SC has upset a pro team in the US Open Cup. Last year, also in the First Round, they eliminated Austin FC II of MLS NEXT Pro in a penalty kick shootout after a 2-2 draw.

 

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Late PK delivers Westchester SC a debut win over FC Motown

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Westchester SC players celebrate after scoring a PK goal against FC Motown in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Westchester SC
Westchester SC players celebrate after scoring a PK goal against FC Motown in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Westchester SC

The USL League One newcomers Westchester SC earned their first-ever US Open Cup victory over tournament veterans FC Motown on Tuesday night. A late penalty kick goal by Juan Carlos “JC” Obregón was the deciding factor in a back and forth clash at Montclair State University.

“I’m very pleased, the game itself was how we were hoping it wouldn’t go, but that said tremendous credit to Motown tonight,” Westchester head coach Dave Carton said after the game. “I thought we played well and Motown matched us, especially defensively… The boys stuck with it, stayed calm and found a way to win the game.”

Obregón, a native of nearby New York City, was called on in the 81st minute. A long ball from the left side reached the former Hartford Athletic player in the middle of the box with his back turned towards the net. With three defenders around him, Motown’s Daniel Cordeiro made contact with the attacker’s leg and sent him to the ground.

The USL journeyman and one-time Honduras national team player sent a low shot to the right corner, which Motown keeper Josh Schaffer correctly predicted but couldn’t get in front of.

“(It’s a) late game penalty to put the team ahead. That’s what we dream of, that’s what we practice for,” Obregón said after the game. “At that moment I just wanted to step up and help my team come out with a victory.”

The Motown bench protested the call and nearly equalized not long after, but couldn’t find the back of the net. The team, which reached the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) final last year, exits the tournament in the First Round for a third straight year.

The visiting WSC controlled the early portions of the match. The game’s first shot on target came from forward Prince Saydee, who attacked down the right side, cut around a Motown defender to get space in the box, and curled a shot just over the crossbar. The former Miami FC player was a key part of the attack for Westchester on the night, even if he didn’t get on the scoresheet.

Overall, Westchester’s size and speed advantage kept them in the driver’s seat for the first half hour. Motown’s only shot on target of the half came down to a free kick in the 11th minute, which was easily caught by keeper Dane Jacomen.

But as the half wore on, Motown started to do more than counter. The ball movement picked up and while they couldn’t get deep into the WSC end they were garning more ball possession time. The confidence built more, exemplified by a teamplay in the 40th minute. Erick Ruiz fed Maudwindo Germain, who juked defender Conor McGlynn multiple times to get to edge of the box. The ball was passed around outside the box before former pro Chris Bermudez struck a shot into a Westchester defender.

All of those players were regulars on the Motown team that reached the NPSL final last year. However the home side also brought in new faces. Of note, former Birmingham Legion players Eli Crognale and Anderson Asiedu, with the former starting, alongside defensive midfielder Eddie Speed – the son of Welsh international legend Gary Speed and a recent regular in the lower divisions of NYC soccer.

The second half saw Motown’s momentum really pick up. The amateurs held the ball and broke down the Westchester end of the field, though the team struggled to get more shots on target. When Westchester did get the ball, they still threatened and forced Schaffer to make some huge saves.

Obregón had a shot through traffic from the top of the box that forced the Ramapo College graduate to dive for the save early in the second half. Another long shot by him forced another diving save in the 57th. Overall, Schaffer made five saves in his first USOC start as the first choice Motown goalkeeper.

Coach Carton couldn’t give his team’s opponents anymore praise.

“We had a lot of possession and we didn’t get behind them as much as I would, and that’s down to how well they defended,” the coach said. “The keeper played well and (he) should be happy with his performance.”

In the game of inches, the penalty call decided the entire game. From his spot on the bench Carton didn’t get a good look at the foul, but praised his group for taking their time.

“It’s hard to comment because I didn’t really see it well. The FC Motown guys sounded and seemed really disappointed in it, so maybe they had a case,” Coach Carton said. “What I did like about it was that we were patient in the build up. We connected a lot of passes and we hit the ball from them for a while. So bringing the ball into a dangerous area I was happy with.”

Westchester has only played one other competitive game in their short history. The team’s first-ever USL League One match earlier this month ended 1-1, with both goals also being penalty kicks. 

“We want to score goals from open play, but we’ll take them as they get them, you know, if the ball goes across the line, we’re happy,” the coach joked.

Overall, the crowd of 500 plus fans was well entertained. Much of the crowd consisted of Westchester supporters, something that Obregón and his teammates can’t get over considering how young the club is.

“It definitely gives us a lot of optimism going into the season for for our home games,” the forward said. “The Westchester fans made the drive here and supported us and gave us unwavering support for the full 90 minutes – which helped us get that energy and pull the result.”

Westchester now waits to see who they will face in the Second Round. That could be a potential match against Hartford Athletic, who Obregón played for early in his career.

“Going back to Hartford would be heartwarming because, you know, my time there was great,” he said. “I think I left a legacy there, so it would be nice to be received by the fans.”

Scoring Summary

81’ – Westchester SC – Juan Carlos “JC” Obregón (Penalty kick)

Lineups

FC Motown: Joshua Schaffer (GK), Jean Voltaire, Matthew Leong, Daniel Cordeiro (Andrew Maia 85’), Edward Speed, Eli Crognale (Luca Campbell 60’), Stevo Bednarsky, Erick Ruiz, Maudwindo Germain (Joseph Fala 85’), Israel Neto, Christopher Bermudez (Illia Tyrkus 85’)

Unused subs: Kendell Thomas, Anderson Asiedu, David Greczek (GK)

Manager: Toure Weaver

Westchester SC: Dane Jacomen (GK), Bobby Pierre, Conor McGlynn, Kemar Lawrence, Stephen Payne, Joel Johnson Alajarin (Oluwatobilba Adewole 85’), Noah Powder, Jonathan Bolanos (Ermin Mačkić 68’), Prince Saydee (Bryan Vásquez 75’), Juan Carlos Obregón Jr., Koen Blommestijn (Samory Powder 68’)

Unused subs: Andrew Hammersley (GK), Daniel Bouman

Manager: Dave Carton

Yellow Cards

Christopher Bermudez, FC Motown 22’

Edward Speed, FC Motown 59’

Juan Carlos Obregón Jr., Westchester SC 74’

Stephen Payne, Westchester SC 90+4’

Attendance: 534

Match Broadcast:

2025 US Open Cup Round 1 Review: Six amateur sides pull off upsets, debut clubs also advance

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2025 US Open Cup First Round Review
Photo: Anna Griffin Photography – @annagriffinphotography | Graphic by Phil Naegely

After Union Omaha held off Flatirons FC in Golden, Colo. on Friday night, the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup was officially complete. The First Round was action-packed, including six Cupsets, four matches decided after extra time, and three shootouts.

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FORO SC set the tone on Tuesday night, claiming a 2-1 extra-time victory over USL League One, and Open Cup debutant, Texoma FC. That set the stage for a second night that saw four more amateur sides upend their professional counterparts.

Virginia Dream FC dropped the Richmond Kickers in the first upset of the night before a star-studded Des Moines Menace edged Sporting KC II. Little Rock Rangers then got in on the act, holding Birmingham Legion FC at arm’s length before 2024 Open Cup darlings El Farolito pulled off some magic in 2025 with a win over Real Monarchs SLC.

The three-time Open Cup champion New York Pancyprian Freedoms put an exclamation mark on the First Round with a shootout triumph over FC Cincinnati 2.

Overall, 10 different clubs earned their first-ever win in the tournament proper, including eight debutantes. 

The USL League One led the way with 11 teams advancing to the next round, followed by seven apiece from the USL Championship and MLS Next Pro.  The USL League Two and USASA each had two teams advance, while the NPSL and UPSL each had one team move on.

The First Round concludes on Friday when USL League Two’s Flatirons FC plays host to Union Omaha at 9 PM Eastern Time in Golden, Colorado. The game was originally scheduled for Thursday but it was delayed due to a blizzard in Omaha that caused travel issues for Union Omaha. 

Below you find a brief recap of every game from Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights with links to the full match report as they become available:

Hartford Athletic (USL-C)
3:0
New York Shockers (NPSL) 

by Connor Bunnell

The Open Cup season began in the Insurance Capital of the World as USL Championship side Hartford Athletic cruised to a 3-0 victory over Albany amateurs New York Shockers.

Right from the start, Hartford established a crushing chokehold on the ball and the overall flow, and that vice grip held from flag to flag. Not only did Athletic maintain just under 80% total possession, but the Shockers got just one shot off all night, matching the number of times the visitors changed goalkeepers. The hosts, on the other hand, had no such troubles. Last year’s Open Cup goal involvements leader Jonathan Jimenez picked up right where he left off with an early assist, and by night’s end, Michee Ngalina and Adewale Obalola each had a goal and an assist to their names.

The win moves Hartford to 4-4-0 all-time in Cup action, including a perfect 4-0-0 against amateur teams.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic by Frank Lanham

Sarasota Paradise (USL-2)
1:2
FC Naples (USL-1)

by Jordan Beech

They left the scoring late, but a flurry of goals in the final 12 minutes, including a stoppage-time winner by Kevin O’Connor, saw FC Naples secure victory in their Open Cup debut.

Neither team was able to separate in the opening 45 minutes. Heading deep into the second half, it seemed that extra time would be necessary, but Karsen Henderlong put the visiting USL League One side up 1-0 in the 79th minute. Javier Salgado responded for the amateurs of USL League Two in the 88th minute before O’Connor tallied the matchwinner three minutes later.

FC Naples advances to take on Hartford Athletic in the Second Round in two weeks’ time. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Miami FC (USL-C)
4:1
Naples United FC (NPSL)

by Jordan Beech

Miami FC was clinical in their First Round matchup, dispatching amateur side Naples United FC, 4-1, on Tuesday night. Francisco Bonfiglio led the way for the hosts, bagging a first-half brace.

Bonfiglio scored in the 41st minute and again in the first minute of stoppage time to put the debutants from Naples in a 2-0 hole heading into the interval. Allen Gavilanes made it 3-0 in the 66th before Tobias Zarate put the hosts up 4-0 in the 69th minute. Jorge Moreno notched an 83rd-minute consolation for Naples United.

Miami FC 9-6-1 all-time in Open Cup play, including a 6-2-0 mark against amateur sides. It’s the first time Miami’s won their Open Cup opening match since 2023.

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Graphic: Frank Lanham

New Jersey Alliance (UPSL)
2:2
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
Chattanooga Red Wolves advance 4-2 on penalty kicks

By Jordan Beech

Despite being short-staffed and playing a man-down from the 37th minute on, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC snuck past the UPSL’s New Jersey Alliance, 5-4 in a penalty kick shootout after a 2-2 draw on Tuesday night. Matthew Bentley led the way for Chattanooga, bagging a second-half brace.

Gharett Morris received a red card in the 37th minute, putting the visitors at a disadvantage. Open Cup debutants New Jersey Alliance took advantage of the extra man, going up 1-0 in the first minute of stoppage time thanks to Marlon Preciado. In the second half, Bentley put the Red Wolves on top after goals in the 65th and 84th minutes, but Joel Quist leveled the score at the death to send the match to extra time.

Neither team could find the breakthrough, necessitating penalty kicks which included a successful conversion by Chattanooga backup keeper Jason Smith who played the final four minutes of extra time as a field player. Chattanooga advances to the Second Round for the second straight season as a result of the PK triumph.

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Graphic: Frank Lanham

FC Motown (NPSL)
0:1
Westchester SC (USL-1)

by Tim Abbott

Westchester SC came into this match against the nominal but experienced amateurs of FC Motown against the backdrop of their first-ever match, a 1-1 draw against fellow cup side Greenville Triumph, and at the start of a five-match road trip. The two sides combined for one shot on goal between them in the opening 15 minutes and as the game settled down, it was Westchester on the attack and Motown on the counter. As the match continued, the few chances came from WSC as they outpossessed and outshot their hosts, but were comfortably repelled by an organized Motown defence. 

Having failed to break through from open play, Westchester capitalized on a defensive miscue as a rash tackle on the lively Juan Obregon set up the same player to score the winner from a penalty kick, with only nine minutes to play. 

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Graphic: Frank Lanham

Asheville City SC (USL-2)
0:0 
Greenville Triumph SC (USL-1)
Greenville Triumph advances 4-3 on penalty kicks

by Jason Herbert 

In a battle for Tar Heel State supremacy, Greenville Triumph SC edged past their USL League Two counterparts in Asheville City SC, 4-3 in a penalty kick shootut after a scoreless draw on Tuesday night.

Despite a combined 24 shot attempts, only five were on frame through 120 minutes of action. Francois Djiba tallied three saves while his Greenville counterpart Seth Torman posted two saves. With no one able to break the deadlock, the match went to penalties where both keepers again saved one try apiece. Ultimately, Johnny Fenwick’s attempt that clanged off the crossbar on Asheville City’s fourth attempt was answered by a successful conversion by Sebastian Velazquez to finally determine a winner.  

Greenville Triumph is now 4-4-1 (1-0 PK) overall in US Open Cup play and remain unbeaten against amateur sides in the tournament.

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Graphic: Frank Lanham

West Chester United SC (USASA / USLPA)
2:3
Loudoun United FC (USL-C)

By Evan Konigsberg

Loudoun United got all it could handle from West Chester United, eventually dispatching their amateur hosts, 3-2, in the First Round of the 110th US Open Cup. Riley Bidois scored on either side of the interval to help lift the visitors from the USL Championship.

West Chester got on the board quickly thanks to Yassine Elkahloun’s 18th-minute penalty conversion, however, Bidois leveled the proceedings in 20 minutes later to send the match into halftime knotted at 1-1. Loudoun United quickly went up 3-1 in the second half through a Christian Sorto penalty and Bidois’ second of the evening before sweating out the final half-hour following Kenneth Roby’s tally in the 68th minute.

Loudoun United moves to 4-2-1 all-time in Open Cup competition, including just their second win on the road in the competition.

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Graphic: Frank Lanham

Texoma FC (USL-1)
1:2
FORO SC (UPSL)
After Extra Time

By Adam Uthe

Bryan Padilla scored two goals 84 minutes apart to help visiting FORO SC secure a massive Cupset over professional side Texoma FC in extra time on a windy night in Sherman, Texas. First-half red cards to Ozzie Ramos and Nate Kopetsky saw both teams play with 10 men for the rest of the evening. 

FORO got on the board early with a 15th-minute penalty conversion by Padilla, sending the amateurs into halftime nursing a 1-0 lead. Brandon McManus wasted little time in restoring parity, burying a shot in the 59th minute for the hosts. It took until the 99th minute for FORO to separate from their hosts as Padilla scored on the counter for what would prove to be the matchwinner.

FORO advanced past the First Round for the second time in as many appearances. Open Cup darlings a year ago, Tuesday night’s win moves them to 1-1-1 (1-0 PK) all-time in the competition as they advance to the Second Round for the second time in as many years.

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Graphic: Frank Lanham

Tulsa Athletic (UPSL)
0:1
FC Tulsa (USLC)

By Jordan Beech

FC Tulsa left it late but emerged 1-0 winners over Tulsa Athletic in the third Open Cup version of the Tulsa Derby in the last four years. Taylor Calheira converted a PK in the 85th minute to send FC Tulsa through to the Second Round.

Both teams battled winds gusting up to 40 mph making an aerial offensive hard to come by. Tulsa Athletic did well to stymy their USL-Championship visitors, with Jakub Grzesiak recording six saves on the evening. Unfortunately, Grzesiak wasn’t equal to Calheira’s PK attempt following a handball in the box by an A’s defender.

FC Tulsa are now 4-7-1 all-time in Cup play as a result of Tuesday night’s win, while also nosing ahead in the Tulsa Derby, 2-1-0. This is the second year in a row that Tulsa has advanced past their first match in the tournament.  

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

AV ALTA FC (USL-1)
3:1
Ventura County Fusion (USL-2)

by Tim Thomas

AV ALTA FC opened the newly remodeled Lancaster Municipal Stadium in style with a commanding 3-1 victory over the Ventura County Fusion.

In a night of firsts it would be Jerry Desundes who etched himself in the history books by scoring AV ALTA’s first goal in any competition in the 28th minute of play. Ventura County would make it interesting in the 42nd minute after a long ball caught ALTA’s back line sleeping and led to a goal by Buba Fofanah. That lead wouldn’t last long as Desundes stepped up to the spot and drilled a penalty kick home at in the third minute of first half stoppage time. A goal for ALTA by Sebastian Cruz in the 52nd minute would put the game on ice.

This match not only marked AV ALTA’s first US Open Cup victory it was also the first victory for the club in any competition. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Ventura County FC (MLSNP)
7:0
Laguna United (UPSL)

by Connor Bunnell

In the single most lopsided match of the day, MLS NEXT Pro’s Ventura County FC absolutely whooped UPSL side Laguna United 7-0.

For about the first 20 percent of the match, it looked like it could be a competitive contest, but once LA Galaxy’s reserve side broke the deadlock, a flood of offense ensued, as Ventura County scored off of beautiful volleys, bizarre little dribbles, and everything in between. Cameroonian striker Aaron Bibout spearheaded the effort with the first hat trick of this year’s Cup, while Luis Müller put home one of his own immediately after wrapping up a trio of assists, making the German an instant frontrunner for the tournament’s top playmaker.

With this win, Los Dos are now 3-2-1 across all Open Cup appearances, as well as 2-1-0 since their rebrand as Ventura County FC last year.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19

Columbus Crew 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)
4:1
NY Renegades (UPSL)

By Jordan Beech

Brent Adu-Gyamfi led the way as Columbus Crew 2 cruised past NY Renegades, 4-1, on Wednesday night in First Round action. The match served as the Open Cup debut for both clubs.

Keesean Ferdinand drew first blood in the 44th minute before Adu-Gyamfi scored his first of two goals in the third minute of stoppage time to send Columbus into the break sporting a 2-0 advantage. Tristan Brown added a third goal in the 62nd minute before Adu-Gyamfi bagged his brace seven minutes later. 

Jonathan Silveira scored for the visitors from the UPSL.

Columbus Crew 2 advances to the Second Round for the first time in club history as a result of Wednesday’s victory.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Chattanooga FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
1:0
Corpus Christi FC (USL-2)
After Extra Time

By Jordan Beech

Chattanooga FC got all they could handle as they played host to the amateurs of Corpus Christi FC. However, the MLS NEXT Pro side escaped the Cupset bid, scoring in the 112th minute through Markus Naglestad for the match’s lone goal.

A rough-and-tumble affair that saw nine yellow cards handed out, and neither team was able to find much joy through nearly 120 minutes of play. That all changed when Naglestad nodded home Milo Garvanian’s service from the left wing late for the win.

The win moves Chattanooga to 4-7-5 overall in Open Cup play. It’s the first time the MLS NEXT Pro side has won their opening-round match since 2023. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Appalachian FC (NPSL)
0:3
One Knoxville SC (USL-1) 

By Jordan Beech

One Knoxville SC cruised in their First Round matchup against host Appalachian FC on Wednesday night, claiming a 3-0 win. Knoxville led from the 16th minute and largely held the amateurs from North Carolina at arm’s length the rest of the way.

Leo Santos, a full professional at just 18 years old, opened the affair in the 16th minute when he cleaned up a ball in Appalachian’s box. Carrying a 1-0 lead into the second half, Babacar Diene and Scott Mcleod tallied strikes of their own 11 minutes apart in the 63rd and 74th minutes to seal the match.

One Knoxville successfully advanced to the Second Round for a third straight year as a result of Wednesday night’s contest. Knoxville is now 2-2-0 overall in Open Cup action, with both wins coming on the road.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
1:3
Virginia Dream FC (USASA / VSSL)

By Tim Hotze

Capitalizing on set piece opportunities. Long balls. Hard pressing, and a goalkeeper making key saves in key moments. It’s the textbook method for defeating a higher-division opponent in the US Open Cup, but it paid off for Virginia Dream of the National Premier Soccer League who emerged with a 3-1 victory over the Richmond Kickers of USL League One. The game was the first-ever match in the tournament proper for Dream of Falls Church, Virginia, who were founded just three years ago and whose victory came in the same City Stadium in Richmond where the Kickers raised the championship banner after securing the 1995 US Open Cup title.

The game started off like a fantasy for the visitors, as forward Nicolas Likulia was hauled down in the box in the seventh minute, earning a penalty which he converted moments later. His team protected their lead through an increasingly strong onslaught from Richmond, but in the 36th minute, the Kickers had their equalizer when Michael Fitch cut in from the right side and laid off a short pass to James Vaugahn just outside of the box, who sent it across the goal and into the top-left corner of Joe Rice’s net, sending the two teams into the locker rooms level at half. 

On the restart, it once again took Dream about seven minutes to find a goal, when an inswinging pass across a set piece was headed by Gnaoua Kossehasse across and then knocked in by Thomas Suchecki in the 53rd minute. Just seven minutes later, the NPSL side struck again when Leonardo Torres-Lopez saw off three Richmond defenders and got a pass to Akingbolahan Akinkoye who took a shot that deflected off goalkeeper Pabo Jara on its way to the net making it 3-1 for the visitors. Although Richmond would continue to dominate possession and had a few chances, Virginia stuck to their game plan and saw out the victory, advancing in their first-ever match of the Cup.

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Graphic: Frank Lanham

Inter Miami CF II (MLS Next Pro)
4:2
Miami United FC (UPSL)

by Connor Bunnell

In the big intercity clash of the day, MLS NEXT Pro’s Inter Miami CF II took a 4-2 win over UPSL side Miami United FC.

This Dále Derby was a tale of two halves, and the first half belonged to the amateurs, who took a 1-0 lead into the break thanks to a stunning free kick. However, Inter would catch United on the B-side as the Herons scored four unanswered, spearheaded by a brace from Yuval Cohen. Meanwhile, United’s Santiago Frean went from hero to zero, earning himself a backbreaking red card in the 74th minute. Though the amateurs fought valiantly and even pulled one back late, it wasn’t enough, and one of last year’s darlings became a one-and-done.

Thanks to their massive turnaround, Inter Miami II opens their Open Cup record with a win.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Sporting KC II (MLS NEXT Pro)
1:2 
Des Moines Menace (USL-2)

By Tim Abbott

Des Moines Menace brought an experience-laden squad to the maelstrom of Swope Park, with a 15-year age gap between the average age of the two squads. But even with the aid of a wind gusting up to 45 mph at their backs, the home side failed to make their advantage count in the first half. 

With the visitors gaining the wind advantage in the second half, it might have been expected that they would stroll away but neither team really asserted themselves and it took until near the hour mark for the deadlock to be broken, with a Sacha Kljestan penalty kick. 

Their lead would only last five minutes, as SKCII loaded the box and Beckham Uderitz slotted home the equalizer. However, despite gaining more possession and shots than their visitors, it was Des Moines who move on, thanks to a second penalty —  the last kick of the match for Kljestan, in the 74th minute after a quick counter by Leroy Enzugusi.

The win moves Des Moines to 15-14-4 overall in Open Cup action and is their third win over a Division 3 side. The win also secures the Menace’s passage to the Second Round for a third-straight tournament.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Lexington Sporting Club (USL-C)
5:0
Southern Indiana FC (UPSL) 

By Jordan Beech

Five different players found the back of the net in Lexington Sport Club’s 5-0 romp of UPSL side Southern Indiana FC. The win is Lexington’s first in Open Cup play in their third appearance in the tournament.

Cory Burke bagged the opener in the 13th minute and the hosts never looked back, as Eliot Goldthorp made it 2-0 with a score in the 42nd minute. 

Alfredo Midence, Lucas Stauffer, and Braudilio Rodrigues scored second-half goals to put the finishing touches on the outing.

Lexington moves to 1-2-0 all-time, notching their first win against an amateur side in Cup play. Their Second Round appearance matches their best-ever performance in 2023, though that year the Second Round was their first match of the tournament.

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Graphic: Frank Lanham

Little Rock Rangers (USL-2)
1:0
Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)

By Jordan Beech

Caoimhin McConnell scored the lone goal of the match in the 48th minute as Little Rock Rangers claimed a Cupset over Birmingham Legion FC with a 1-0 win over the USL Championship side. 

The Rangers’ defense was heroic all evening, weathering 13 shots from their professional counterparts. The amateurs from the River City allowed only three shots to test Tomasz Wroblewski — USL League Two’s reigning Golden Glove recipient who proved equal to the task each time.

Little Rock secured its first-ever win in the Open Cup in their second appearance all-time, sullying Birmingham’s perfect record against amateur competition in the process. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

El Paso Locomotive (USL-C)
5:1
Harpos FC (USSSA/CPL)

By Tim Abbott

Locomotive entered this match after scoring four but only drawing their last game, and after 10 minutes of 0-0 they steadily took out their frustration. Roberto Avila opened the scoring at that point. Bryan Romero made it two off a corner in the 37th minute and repeated the trick to put the game to bed in first-half stoppage time.

Braden Fidelak had the unfortunate distinction of making it 4-0 with an own goal, and Gabi Torres made it 5-0 in the 59th minute. Harpos eventually broke through just four minutes later, with Baptiste Debuire finishing a Quinn Matulis cross. But the Coloradans could not make further inroads. 

The win is El Paso’s first in Open Cup play in the club’s fifth appearance all-time. It’s also the first time El Paso has advanced past their initial match in the tournament in club history.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Real Monarchs (MLS NEXT Pro)
1:3
El Farolito (NPSL)
After Extra Time

by Connor Bunnell

In a triumphant return for everyone’s favorite San Francisco burrito chain, reigning NPSL champions El Farolito took a thrilling 3-1 victory in extra time over MLS NEXT Pro’s Real Monarchs.

It was a chilly and chippy contest in Utah, and the Burrito Boys took the early edge in the 18th minute when last year’s co-Golden Boot winner Dembor Benson scored his first of the new Cup campaign. But after a sluggish start for Real Salt Lake’s reserves, the Monarchs would assert themselves, replacing the empty-calories possession of the first half with genuine attacking menace. That peaked with an equalizer from Antonio Riquelme, but despite quality chances from both sides, neither could find the definitive answer in the initial 90.

As time ticked down and tempers flared, the Monarchs’ defenders lost their cool. First, Kobi Henry drew a second yellow card right as the first half of extra time was winding down, giving away the numbers advantage. Then, substitute Loic Adjalala proceeded to have a disaster day, nearly getting himself sent off and giving away an all-important penalty. Herlbert Soto, who’d been great all day long, stepped up to take the shot and scored it, putting El Farolito back in the lead, before a dagger from Erik Arias sealed the visitors’ cupset.

With this result, the 1993 Open Cup champions have now started back-to-back runs with a road win over an MLS NEXT Pro side. El Farolito also moved to 3-0 against Division III clubs and 5-3-1 overall since adopting their current name.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Monterey Bay (USL-C)
4:0
International San Francisco (USASA/SFSFL)

By A.D. Mosier

Monterey Bay made quick work of International San Francisco, cruising past the amateur side 4-0 at home to advance to Round Two.

San Francisco’s first touch on the ball came 90 seconds into the match when they had to pull the ball out of the back of the net after Mobi Fehr tapped in the opener from inside the six yard box off a low-driven cross from Alax Dixion on the left flank. . 

Xavi Gnaulati doubled the lead in the 26th minute, beating his defender to a driven ball from Luke Ivanovic inside the six-yard box. Gnaulati bagged his second in identical fashion, but from Dixon on the left side this time in the second minute of first half added time. 

Playing on cruise control for the majority of the second half, Monterey capped the night’s scoring in the 84th minute when Adrian Rebollar’s searching ball found the diving Illijah Paul head at close range.  

As a result of the win, Monterey Bay advances to the Second Round for a third consecutive tournament. The club is now 4-2-1 all-time in Open Cup play.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Ballard FC (USL-2)
0:1
Spokane Velocity FC (USL-1)
After Extra Time

By Jordan Beech

Spokane couldn’t have left it any later, edging past USL League 2’s Ballard FC by a ricochet off the post in the 121st minute of play to punch their ticket to the Second Round for a second straight season. It’s the second-straight year Spokane has dispatched Ballard to advance in the Open Cup.

Neither team could find the key to unlock the opposing defense through the first 120 minutes of action. However, with the match in the 121st minute, and penalties seeming like a certainty, Neco Brett found Anuar Pelaez outside the box. Pelaez took his shot and saw it bang off the post and in for the win. 

Ballard thought they’d drawn level in the 126th minute, but the goal was judged offside.

Spokane is now 3-1-0 all-time in Open Cup action, including a 2-1-0 record on the road.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

LAFC 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)
7:1
FC Arizona (NPSL) 

By Tim Thomas

Things started off poorly and got worse from there for FC Arizona as they lost on the road 7-1 against LAFC 2.

A mere 89 seconds into the match was all it took for LAFC 2 as Matt Evans notched the first goal of the game. From there, it was off to the races for the black and gold. Jude Terry at the tender age of 16 scored a brace, including his first professional goal in the 27th minute. Not to be outdone, Evans also secured a brace with a goal in the 65th minute. 

Tommy Mihalic, Sebastian Nava and Kairo Walters also added goals in the 42nd, 83rd, and 92nd minutes respectively. 

The lone FC Arizona goal was scored by Gabe Walters in the 59th minute.

This was LAFC 2’s debut match in the Open Cup and their first win. While FC Arizona remained winless in the tournament, they did secure their first-ever Open Cup goal.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

THURSDAY, MARCH 20

Portland Hearts of Pine (USL-1)
4:0
CD Faialense (USASA / BSSL)

By Jordan Beech

A debut match, a debut win for Portland Hearts of Pine who romped past CD Faialense, 4-0, in the host’s first-ever match in club history. Azaad Liadi led the way for Hearts of Pine with a goal on either side of halftime.

A raucous home crowd didn’t have to wait long for Maine’s newest professional outfit to score their inaugural goal with Walter Varela hammering home the opener in just the 17th minute of action. Liadi then volleyed home his first in the 29th minute off excellent service from Titus Washington.

Liadi added his second of the match in the 62nd minute, cleaning up the trash in front of the goal following a Washington effort on a free kick. Nathan Messer then put the finishing touches on the match seven minutes later with an absolute screamer from a free kick 35 yards out.

In the first Open Cup match in Maine since 2017, Hearts of Pine became the first professional outfit from the state to win a match in the tournament with Thursday night’s result.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Long Island Rough Riders (USL-2)
2:3
Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
After Extra Time

By AD Mosier

In one of the most thrilling First Round games this year, USL League One’s Charlotte Independence scored two goals in extra time to overcome the USL League Two’s Long Island Rough Riders on a damp, foggy night on Long Island. 

Rafael Jauregul tallied a brace for the visitors, including the 107th-minute game-winner to put Charlotte through to the second round. 

The Rough Riders’ Jacon Woznicki opened scoring four minutes into the start of the second half, smashing home a knuckling right-footed blast from the top of the penalty area after his first attempt on goal was blocked. 

Jauregui pulled the visiting professionals level in the 79th minute, beating Rough Rider goalkeeper Eryk Dymora to the ball at the top of the six-yard box to make things level, which is how they stayed into extra time. 

Christian Chaney’s vicious volley from 12 yards out  put the visitors into the lead in the 104th minute off a cross on the right flank from right back, Clay Dimick. 

Charlotte’s lead lasted just over sixty seconds with Elias Khodri stunning right-footed volley through traffic drew the home side level moments before the end of the first half of extra time. 

Jauregui tallied the winner in the 107th minute from inside the penalty area after the Rough Rider defense could not get the ball clear. 

The win puts the Independence through to the Second Round for the eighth time in club history. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Forward Madison FC (USL-1)
5:1
Duluth FC (NPSL)

By Tim Abbott

Forward Madison finished with a fistful of goals and a comfortable score-line but the course of the match may have been very different had Duluth FC’s Alex Mihov not raised his hands into the face of Nico Brown for a straight red card and a long slog with ten men. 

Ferrety Sousa broke through 5 minutes later and though the BlueGreens capitalized on a defensive miscue to briefly make it 1-1, further goals from Eddie Munjoma, John Murphy Jr and two from Juan Galindrez salted the win away for the hosts. 

Thursday night’s win moves Forward Madison to 5-4-0 all-time, including a 4-1-0 mark against amateur teams in Cup play. The win moves the Flamingoes to the Second Round in consecutive years.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)  
3:0
Harbor City FC (UPSL)

By Connor Bunnell

For the fourth straight year, South Georgia Tormenta of USL League One started their Open Cup run with a win, comfortably beating Melbourne, Florida amateurs Harbor City, 3-0.

The home side was in control from the jump, taking the lead halfway through the first half and denying Harbor City the chance to even try and equalize. Though the Floridians would finally take a few cracks at leveling the score in the second half, Tormenta substitute Niall Reid-Stephen personally put the game out of reach by scoring two goals five minutes apart, the latter of which officially put things on ice.

While Harbor City’s Open Cup debut ended in deflating fashion, Tormenta moved to a triumphant 8-3-0 all-time in the competition, including a perfect 4-0-0 at home.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Carolina Core FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
4:2
Soda City FC (UPSL)

By Jordan Beech

Carolina Core claimed a 4-2 win over UPSL counterpart Soda City FC on Thursday evening to advance to the Second Round of the Open Cup for a second straight year. Josuha Rodriguez led the way with two goals scored 40 minutes apart.

Rodriguez opened the scoring in the 18th minute thanks to a penalty kick to send Carolina into halftime with a 1-0 lead. He then bagged his brace in the 58th minute. Facundo Canete and Jacob Evans added insurance goals that ultimately proved necessary in the 69th and 72nd minutes, respectively.

With the match seemingly well in hand, the amateurs from Soda City made it interesting at the end with goals from Lamar Thompson in the 79th minute and Fauf Salifu in the 83rd minute. 

Carolina Core is now 3-1-0 all-time in the Open Cup, with all three wins coming at the expense of amateur teams.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

FC Cincinnati 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)  
0:0
NY Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA / EPSL)
NY Pancyprian Freedoms advance 5-4 on penalties

By Tyler Pilgrim

The legendary New York Pancyprian Freedoms, triple Open Cup champions from the early 80’s, traveled to northern Kentucky Thursday night to take on FC Cincinnati 2. New York, known for their energetic, pressing football, was 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.

The shootout took an early turn in favor of the home Cincinnati team as Luis Argudo of the Pancyprians skied his penalty chance in the second round. Cincinnati buried their next couple, even culminating in some celebratory dancing. The shimmy would be short-lived, however, as Brandon Kristel would miss his shot in the fifth round to draw the shootout back even. Jordan Bailon would then score his fifth for New York to send it to sudden death. Cincinnati’s William Kuisel then 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 and win 5-4 on spot kicks.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Tacoma Defiance (MLS NEXT Pro)
3:1
Washington AC (USASA / SRATS)

By Tim Abbott

Washington Athletic Club made the trip to the hallowed ground of Starfire and took a shock 8th-minute lead as Kaito Yamada brought down WAC’s Lagos mere inches from the penalty area. With the wall forced to stand on the six-yard line, Nick O’Brien drove the free kick low and off the wall into the goal. Edson Charli equalized in the 37th minute for Defiance, chipping the ball in from an extremely acute angle. 

It took only two minutes after the break for 2023 NPSL Golden Boot winner Yu Tsukanome to drift into space and finish neatly for Tacoma to claim the lead. Tsukanome made it 3-1 in the 71st minute to seal the win as the battery ran low for WAC.

Tacoma, who originally competed in the Open Cup under the Sounders 2 moniker, are now 3-1-0 all-time in the tournament.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Flatirons FC (USL-2)
1:2
Union Omaha (USL-1)

By Tim Abbott

Union Omaha traveled to the foothills of the Rockies and could have led in the 5th minute but a shot went just wide. Having dominated possession, the visitors took the lead in the 28th minute after the Flatirons goalkeeper could only clear a corner into the path of Aaron Gomez, who laced the ball past the prostrate keeper. Flatirons’ first shot on target came in the 37th minute, off a deflected long-distance shot, comfortably saved.

Flatirons started the second half on the front foot and in the 68th minute, Smith had a chance flash high. Nonetheless, Union doubled their lead after a handball in the penalty area and Gallardo dispatched the PK. It took until the 83rd minute for Shjon Andrews to spoil the Union clean sheet with a bullet header at the back post off a Tobi Osifodunrin free kick but the rally came short and Union move on.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Graphic: Frank Lanham

2025 US Open Cup Round 1 Preview: Thursday’s 7 games, blizzard-delayed match on Friday, wrap up round

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2025 us open cup firsrt round preview graphic
Graphic by Phil Naegely & Frank Lanham

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Last we left you in December 2024, Open Division qualifying was wrapping up, determining the last of the six Open Division (amateur) clubs to gain a spot in the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Fast forward three months and Christmas Day for Open Cup enthusiasts (some may say Open Cup Sickos) has arrived, three days of wall-to-wall Open Cup action to kick off the 2025 tournament.

A few things have changed compared to last year, More MLS teams are in the mix (16, up from last year’s 8). Eight teams from the USL Championship will start in Round 1, a change from last year when all 24 clubs for the USL’s top pro league entered in Round 3. This means the opening round will feature pro vs. amateur clubs in each matchup, with the survivors battling it out in the Second Round (April 1-2), and the Second Round winners facing the remaining 16 USL Championship clubs in the Third Round the week of April 15-16. All 16 MLS teams await the Third Round winners the week of May 6-7 in the Fourth Round.

A total of 25 teams are making their Open Cup debuts, all entering in the First Round. Three of those opening round games pit debuting clubs against one another. Nine former champions are in this year’s field: Chicago Fire FC, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, New England Revolution, Orlando City, Richmond Kickers, New York Pancyprian Freedoms and El Farolito (then known as CD Mexico), with the Chicago Fire seeking their record-tying fifth Open Cup title. For the first time in the Modern Era, the defending Open Cup winners will NOT defend its championship, as Los Angeles FC will be represented by its MLS NEXT Pro team LAFC II, due to Los Angeles FC’s participation in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

After 24 games between Tuesday and Wednesday, the round wraps up with eight games on Thursday.

Follow TheCup.us on X (Twitter) @USOpenCup throughout the weekend for live updates from our reporters who will be at every stadium and with every First Round game being streamed online via YouTube, you can find links to those below.

Like millions of other users, we are transitioning over to BlueSky and we will have updates there as well.

Below you will find a preview of the 8 games kicking off on Thursday:

THURSDAY, MARCH 20

CD Faialense (USASA / BSSL) at Portland Hearts of Pine (USL-1)
Franklin Athletic Complex – Lewiston, ME
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

CD Faialense
Bay State Soccer League / USASA | Cambridge, MA
1st US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Defeated FCY New York (UPSL) 3-1 in Round 4 of Open Division Qualifying
Founded: 1971
Manager: Paul Correia
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3:0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Founded in 1971, CD Faialense is the oldest club among the 16 Open Division qualifiers. Faialense finished atop the 2024 Bay State Soccer League Division 1 table with a 13-3-2 mark. They also won the BSSL title for the 2023 season.

In Open Division qualifying, after an opening round bye, Faialense had no trouble dispatching Boston Street FC (UPSL) 4-1. Former Harvard University standout Alessandro Arlotti led the way with a pair of goals. Faialense used the same scoreline to defeat Project Football (UPSL) in the Third Round, with goals coming from Garrett Leary, Gianluca Arlotti, Eoin Houlihan and Mirko Nufi. A hat-trick form Yanis Lakhlifi powered Faialense past Buffalo’s FCY New York 3-1 to book their spot in the 2025 US Open Cup.

CD Faialense celebrates after defeating FCY New York 3-1 to qualify for the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: CD Faialense
CD Faialense celebrates after defeating FCY New York 3-1 to qualify for the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: CD Faialense

Faialense is Portuguese meaning native or inhabitant of Faial, an island among the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. CD Faialense add to a long Open Cup history of Portuguese-rooted clubs from New England, from Emigrantes das Ilhas (2009, Brockton, Mass.)  and Brockton FC Unted (2022 and 2024) to more legendary clubs like Ponta Delgada (1947 US Open Cup champions).

MORE: Clube Desportivo Faialense: Back to the Future in Cambridge, MA (US Soccer)

Portland Hearts of Pine
USL League One | Portland, ME
1st US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2023
Manager: Bobby Murphy
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Hearts of Pine are the first club from Maine to play in the Open Cup since GPS Portland Phoenix of the PDL (USL League Two) in 2017 and are the first professional club from The Pine Tree State to make an Open Cup appearance. This will also be the first Open Cup game played in Maine since GPS Portland Phoenix lost to GPS Omens (USASA) 2-0 in Portland, Maine in the 2017 First Round.

The first player to sign with the club was Trinidadian midfielder Michel Poon-Angeron, who has made 17 appearances with the Trinidad and Tobago national team. Hearts of Pine are playing their Open Cup game in Lewiston, Maine because the multi-million dollar renovation of Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland will not be finished. Like former USL League One club Northern Colorado Hailstorm in 2023, the Open Cup will be the first ever game for Hearts of Pine.

MORE: Hearts of Pine Notebook: Preseason Success, Open Cup Tickets, and a Documentary


Charlotte Independence (USL-1) at Long Island Rough Riders (USL-2)
Mitchel Athletic Complex – Uniondale, NC
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Charlotte Independence
USL League One | Charlotte, NC
8th US Open Cup appearance (2015-19, 2022-23)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2014
Manager: Mike Jefferies
Overall: 7-7-3 (2-1 PK)
Away: 5-5-0
vs. Amateurs: 5-2-2 (1-1 PK)
Best finish: Fifth Round (2015)

Charlotte has the second longest Open Cup history of all the USL League One teams with seven appearances. The club’s high point was a run to the Fifth Round (Round of 16) in 2015, when they upset the New England Revolution 1-0 in the Fourth Round. The Independence fell short of reaching the Quarterfinals, dropping a 3-1 decision to the Chicago Fire. Captain Jorge Herrera was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round for his performance against New England.

Charlotte Independence players celebrate after winning a PK shootout against Rhode Island FC in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Wade Wimberly
Charlotte Independence players celebrate after winning a PK shootout against Rhode Island FC in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Wade Wimberly

Charlotte finished the 2024 USL League One season in 6th place with a 9-6-7 record, exiting in the opening round of the playoffs. Leading goal scorer Juan Carlos Obregón (15 goals) left to sign with new USL-1 club Westchester FC.

Charlotte’s 2024 Open Cup run was a bit better than their USL-1 season. After opening with a 2-0 road win over amateur side Vereinigung Erzgebirge, Charlotte advanced twice via penalty shootouts over South Carolina Heat and Rhode Island FC at home. The Fourth Round saw them drop a 3-0 away decision to Atlanta United FC. Charlotte are 5-2-2 all-time against amateur clubs, and their last outright loss was in 2022 to North Carolina Fusion U-23s.

MORE: Charlotte Independence returns experienced core

Long Island Rough Riders
USL League Two | South Huntington, NY
10th US Open Cup appearance (1997, 2003-2006, 2010, 2012, 015, 2016, 2018)
How they qualified: Finished 1st in USL-2 Metropolitan Division
Founded: 1994
Manager: Tom Bowen
Overall: 6-9-0
Home: 4-3-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-3-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (1997, as pro team), Second Round (2010, 2011, 2015, 2017 as amateur team)

The Long Island Rough Riders are one of the longest tenured teams from the NPSL or USL in this year’s tournament, starting play in 1994 when the USL was known as the USISL. The Rough Riders spent the first 13 seasons as a professional club. Starting with the 2007 season, Long Island voluntarily moved down to the Premier Development League (now USL League Two). For most of their USL-2 tenure Long Island has struggled to find success although the last few seasons that has changed, with the Rough Riders finishing first in the Metropolitan Division three out of the last four years. The club has proposed building a stadium on the campus of Suffolk County Community College’s Grant Campus in Brentwood with the goal of the Rough Riders to move up to USL League One.

Of Long Island’s nine previous Open Cup appearances, only one came while they were a pro club (1997), pulling off a 4-3 sudden death extra time win over the New England Revolution, then taking the MetroStars (NY Red Buls) to extra time before losing 1-0. As an amateur club, the Rough Riders haven’t had much success in Open Cup play, only advancing past their opening game three times out of eight tries. Remarkably, through 15 Open Cup games Long Island have never had to participate in a penalty shootout.


Duluth FC (NPSL) at Forward Madison FC (USL-1)
Breese Stevens Field: Madison, WI
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Duluth FC
National Premier Soccer League | Duluth, MN
4th US Open Cup appearance (2018, 2019, 2024)
How they qualified: 2024 NPSL National Semifinals
Founded: 2016
Manager: Thomas Pazo
Overall: 0-2-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 0-1-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second round (2018)

Duluth FC make their return to the Open Cup after missing out on the last two tournaments. Duluth began in 2015 in the Duluth Amateur Soccer League, and by 2017 had joined the NPSL. Duluth posted a 7-1-4 record in NPSL play last season, and made their way to the NPSL National Semifinals where they fell to eventual champions El Farolito 3-0. Edouard Nys finished third in the NPSL in 2024 with 12 goals in 10 games.

Duluth FC celebrates their PK victory over Dakota Fusion FC in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Seth Steffenhagen | Steffenhagen Photography
Duluth FC celebrates their PK victory over Dakota Fusion FC in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Seth Steffenhagen | Steffenhagen Photography

Duluth FC is unique in the sense that it requires its players and supporters to follow certain rules when it comes to match day behavior, requesting that both avoid swearing and other forms of offensive language.

While Duluth has yet to win an Open Cup game in four attempts, they have advanced once via penalty tiebreaker, outshooting the Dakota Fusion after a 4-4 extra time goal fest in their Open Cup debut in 2018.

MORE: Duluth FC announces Thomás Pazo as new head coach

Forward Madison FC
USL League One | Madison, WI
5th US Open Cup appearance (2019, 2022-24)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2018
Manager: Matt Glaeser
Overall: 4-4-0
Home: 2-2-0
vs. Amateurs: 3-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2019, 2022)

Forward Madison’s 2025 Open Cup end in a penalty shootout loss, they shouldn’t be surprised with the way their big games in 2024 ended. First off, the Flamingoes reached the final of the inaugural USL Jägermeister Cup, only to lose to the Northern Colorado Hailstorm on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Two months later, in the USL League One semifinals, Madison was eliminated by the Spokane Velocity on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Those two results spoiled what was the best season since their debut campaign in 2019, as Madison finished with a 10-3-9 record and a third-place finish in the league.

Christian Chaney of Forward Madison celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Duluth FC in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Forward Madison
Christian Chaney of Forward Madison celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Duluth FC in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Forward Madison

Their 2024 Open Cup run ended abruptly, after beating Duluth FC 2-0, Madison lost by the same score to Chicago Fire II of MLS NEXT Pro. Madison have yet to match their initial Open Cup outing in 2019 in which they beat 2018 National Amateur Cup champions Bavarian SC and upset USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive to reach the Third Round.

Breese Stevens Field has seen plenty of Open Cup action in the past, having been used as a home venue by the Madison 56ers during the 1980s and 1990s. Forward is the state motto of Wisconsin, and the flamingo in their logo represents the official bird of the city of Madison, a flamingo lawn ornament.

MORE: Forward Madison FC Partners with Amazonas FC


Harbor City FC (UPSL) at South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
Tormenta Stadium – Statesboro, GA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Harbor City FC
United Premier Soccer League | Melbourne, FL
1st US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Drew with FC America CFL Spurs (USSL/USSSA) 0-0 (aet) in Round 4 of Open Division Qualifying, qualified on penalties 5-4
Founded: 2022
Manager: Douglas Bonney
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

After a first-round bye in their qualifying run, Harbor City blanked UPSL Florida Central rivals Deportivo Lake Mary FC 4-0. Derek Notardonato scored twice, with Perrie Nascimento and Gabe Shelton adding one each. In the Third Round, Harbor City cruised by another UPSL rival, Palm Beach Flames, 5-1. Notardonato and Nascimento led the way once again with three goals between them. In the final round Harbor City faces 2024 qualifier FC America CFL Spurs, and after 120 minutes of scoreless play, Harbor City prevailed on penalty kicks 5-4 to move on to the Open Cup for the first time.

Harbor City finished 4-1-3 in the UPSL Fall season. Derek Notardonato led the team in the Fall season with four goals, followed by Mario Licor and Perrie Nascimeno with three apiece.

South Georgia Tormenta FC
USL League One | Statesboro, GA
5th US Open Cup appearance (2019, 2022-24)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2015
Manager: Ian Cameron
Overall: 7-3-0
Home: 3-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 1-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)

South Georgia Tormenta FC (or just Tormenta FC) started as an amateur club in the PDL (USL League Two) in 2016. After three seasons they turned pro to join the newly created USL League One, although they still maintain a team in USL-2. After Tormenta won the 2022 League One championship, the club’s league fortunes have taken a downturn as they have missed the playoffs the last two seasons.

South Georgia Tormenta FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against the Savannah Clovers in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Holt Wimberly | TheCup.us
South Georgia Tormenta FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against the Savannah Clovers in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Holt Wimberly | TheCup.us

Tormenta have made four previous appearances in the Open Cup, prior to 2024 their best Cup run was in 2022 when they upset a pair of USL Championship teams (Charleston 1-0 and Birmingham 2-0) to reach the Third Round where they dropped a 3-1 decision to Inter Miami CF.

While 2024 saw them reach the Fourth Round again, they did so starting from the Opening Round, winning three games. First they got by amateurs FC America CFL Spurs 1-0, and followed with a resounding 4-0 win over the Savannah Clovers (NISA). In the Third Round, Tormenta upset USL Championship side FC Miami 4-2 with two goals in the final three minutes. The run came to an end with a 3-2 extra time loss to the Charleston Battery when the hosts scored the game winning goal in extra time stoppage time.

MORE: Interview with South Georgia Tormenta President Darin Van Tassell


Soda City FC (UPSL) at Carolina Core FC (MLS Next Pro)
Truist Point – High Point, NC
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Soda City FC
United Premier Soccer League | Columbia, SC
1st US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: 2024 UPSL Spring Champions
Founded: 2018
Manager: George Trifos
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

South Georgia Tormenta FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against the Savannah Clovers in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Holt Wimberly | TheCup.us
South Georgia Tormenta FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against the Savannah Clovers in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Holt Wimberly | TheCup.us

The second Open Division club to gain entry to the 2025 US Open Cup, Soda City FC are also the second club to benefit from an automatic Open Cup berth as UPSL Spring Champions, following 2023 winners AS Frenzi. Soda City captured the UPSL Spring title with a 3-2 win over Inland Empire FC at the Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ Highmark Stadium. Soda City doubled up on UPSL glory by winning the league’s Fall Championship with a 4-2 win over 2024 Open Cup qualifiers FC Folsom.  Soda City posted a record of 21-1-3 in the Spring and Fall UPSL seasons

The name of the club comes from one of several nicknames for their home of Columbia, South Carolina. Columbia is often shortened to Cola, an abbreviation first created by the US Postal Service, thus the name Soda City.

MORE: ‘We are like a family’: Soda City FC wins back-to-back UPSL Championships

Carolina Core FC
MLS NEXT Pro | High Point, NC
2nd US Open Cup appearance (2024)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid as Independent MLS Next Pro club
Founded: 2022
Manager: Donovan Ricketts
Overall: 2-1-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 2-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2024)

As an independent MLS NEXT Pro club with no affiliation with an MLS team, Carolina, along with Chattanooga FC, are free to enter the Open Cup every year. Carolina finished just outside the playoffs in the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season, scoring just 39 goals, one of the lowest totals in the league.

Carolina Core FC goalkeeper Andrew Pannenberg knocks the ball away from a Vermont Green FC player in a Second Round game in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Josh Wallace | Vermont Green FC
Carolina Core FC goalkeeper Andrew Pannenberg knocks the ball away from a Vermont Green FC player in a Second Round game in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Josh Wallace | Vermont Green FC

Carolina’s 2024 Open Cup debut went well, as they were one of three MLS NEXT Pro clubs to reach the Third Round. In the First Round, Carolina came out on top 3-2 versus Northern Virginia FC in a back and forth game. Next, they ended the upset dreams of amateur side Vermont Green 2-1 with a pair of second half goals. The run came to an end in the Third Round with a 1-0 loss to North Carolina FC.

Replacing former US international Roy Lassiter as head coach is longtime goalkeeper for the Jamaican National Team, Donovan Ricketts. Ricketts, who made 100 appearances for Jamaica between the posts, served as Carolina’s goalkeeping coach last year.

MORE: Goal 13 Foundation partners with Carolina Core FC


NY Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA / EPSL) at FC Cincinnati 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)
NKU Soccer Stadium – Highland Heights, KY
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

NY Pancyprian Freedoms
Eastern Premier Soccer League | Queens, NY
7th US Open Cup appearance in Modern Era (1999, 2002, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2016)
How they qualified: 2024 National Amateur Cup Champions
Founded:1974
Manager:Andreas Chronis
Overall: 4-5-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 1-4-0
vs. Div. 3: 1-1-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Champions (1980, 1982 and 1983)

The New York Pancyprian Freedoms are easily the most decorated team amongst the 32 amateur clubs in this year’s tournament, having won the US Open Cup three times in 1980, 1982 and 1983, along with many more deep runs in the tournament. The Freedoms also made two appearances in the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup in 1983 and 1984, reaching the Semifinals in 1984.

Members of the New York Pancyprian-Freedoms celebrate after winning the 2024 National Amateur Cup in DeKalb, Illinois. Credit: US Adult Soccer Association
Members of the New York Pancyprian-Freedoms celebrate after winning the 2024 National Amateur Cup in DeKalb, Illinois. Credit: US Adult Soccer Association

Since 1995 the Freedoms’ Cup success has slowed down, qualifying twice in 1999 and 2002 as a professional club in the USL D-3 Pro League, and four times through the legendary Cosmopolitan Soccer League. They’ve reached the second round four times in the Modern Era (1995-present). The Freedoms gained a spot in the 2025 tournament by winning the 2024 National Amateur Cup with a commanding 6-0 victory over the Milwaukee Torrent of the NPSL. It was the club’s first-ever Amateur Cup title for the Freedoms.

The team was founded in 1974 to help draw attention to the Turkish occupation of Northern Cyprus, and many former members of the Greek and Cypriot national teams have taken the field for them.

MORE: The Very International, Very Local History of NY Pancyprian-Freedoms

FC Cincinnati 2
MLS NEXT Pro | Highland Heights, KY
1st US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: FC Cincinnati entered in 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup
Founded: 2021
Manager:Tyrone Marshall
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

FC Cincinnati 2 will make their Open Cup debut due to FC Cincinnati participating in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup as one of the top finishers in the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield standings. FCC 2 finished the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season in first place in the Eastern Conference but were upset by #8 seed Crown Legacy FC 2-1 in the opening round of the playoffs.

Longtime Jamaica National Team defender and MLS veteran Tyrone Marshall leads the club from the sidelines, a position he has held since the team began in 2022.


Washington Athletic Club (USASA / SRATS) at Tacoma Defiance (MLS Next Pro)
Starfire Sports Complex – Tukwila, WA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Washington Athletic Club
Seattle Recreational Adult Team Soccer | Seattle, WA
1st US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Won via forfeit over Las Vegas Legends FC (NISA Nation) in Round 4 of Open Division Qualifying
Founded: 1930
Manager: Mark Conrad
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs:0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Washington AC comes from the Seattle Recreational Adult Team Soccer, the same league as 2024’s viral sensation Sharktopus FC. Washington Athletic Club entered the competition with some rich history as they were founded in 1930.

Washington AC opened 2025 qualifying with a 4-3 win over Bellevue Athletic FC (UPSL) with Christian Soto scoring twice. In the Second Round, WAC defeated Holac FC (UPSL) 2-1, with Eric Lagos scoring twice to erase a 1-0 deficit. Finally, Washington returned home to blank the UPSL’s Deportivo Rose City 3-0 with Lagos once again scoring twice and joined on the scoresheet by Christian Soto. In the final round of qualifying, WAC received a “free pass” when opponents Las Vegas Legends were forced to forfeit due to a lack of players.

With the forfeit win, WAC became the first Washington-based club to qualify for the Open Cup in the Modern Era through Open Division Local qualifying. The only amateur clubs to ever qualify for the tournament from Washington were from USL League Two and the NPSL.

MORE; Washington Athletic Club makes U.S. Open Cup history

Tacoma Defiance
MLS NEXT Pro | Tacoma, WA
2nd US Open Cup appearance (2015)
How they qualified: Seattle Sounders entered in 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup
Founded: 2014
Manager: Hervé Diese
Overall: 2-1-0
Home: 2-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 1-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2015)

Tacoma Defiance make their Open Cup return due to Seattle Sounders participating in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup as one of the top finishers in the 2024 MLS Supporter Shield standings. Tacoma last participated in the Open Cup in 2015 Seattle Sounders 2, when the club played in the USL. They knocked off the Kitsap Pumas 14-2 and Portland Timbers 2-1, both in extra time.

In 2018 the club moved south to Tacoma and changed their name to Tacoma Defiance. The name references Point Defiance Park, a large public park in Tacoma. For the 2022 season Tacoma began playing in the newly created MLS NEXT Pro league. Tacoma finished 4th in the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference, scoring a league high 59 goals.

Starfire Sports Complex, Tacoma’s home stadium, will host its 29th Open Cup game in the Modern Era, making it the fourth most used venue for Open Cup games since 1995. Tacoma are one of three different youth/reserve teams to make appearances in the Open Cup under the Sounders banner, the others being Seattle Sounders Selects (2002, PDL) and Seattle Sounders U-23 (2013, 2016-17, PDL)

MORE: Tacoma Defiance add 3 more players, including a familiar face

FRIDAY, MARCH 21

Union Omaha (USL-1) at Flatirons FC (USL-2)
Stermole Soccer Stadium – Golden, CO
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

The match was originally scheduled for Thursday, but it was moved to Friday after a blizzard in Omaha that caused some travel challenges for Union Omaha.

Flatirons FC
USL League Two | Arvada, CO
1st US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Finished 1st in USL-2 Mountain Division
Founded: 2017
Manager: Oliver Twelvetrees
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

The debuting Flatirons FC started as the Colorado Rush in 2017 and is affiliated with the Rush Soccer youth soccer organization. Rush fielded three other teams in USL-2, Cedar Stars Rush, Daytona Rush SC, and Virginia Beach United. The team changed its name to Flatiron FC in 2022 to share branding with the affiliated youth academy the club started in Arvada, Colorado. Flatiron finished the 2024 USL-2 season atop the Mountain division at 8-1-3 but were eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs.

Union Omaha
USL League One | Omaha, NE
4th US Open Cup appearance (2022-2024)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2019
Manager: Dominic Casciato
Overall: 6-3-2 (2-0 PK)
Away: 2-2-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 3-0-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2022)

Union Omaha nearly matched their best performance in the Open Cup in 2024. While they didn’t take down any MLS clubs this time, their list of opponents read as a who’s who of Modern Era Open Cup history. In the First Round, the Owls traveled to historic Lusitano Stadium to defeat Open Cup veterans Western Mass Pioneers 4-0. Next up was a 3-1 win over the Des Moines Menace, one of the more successful amateur clubs of the Modern Era. In the Third Round, Omaha used penalties to move past El Paso Locomotive after a 0-0 draw. Finally Omaha fell in the 120th minute to Sporting Kansas City 2-1 after extra time at home, in SKC’s bid to win the Open Cup for a record-tying fifth time.

Mark Bronnik of Union Omaha celebrates after scoring the winning PK in the shootout to beat the El Paso Locomotive in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Union Omaha
Mark Bronnik of Union Omaha celebrates after scoring the winning PK in the shootout to beat the El Paso Locomotive in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Union Omaha

In 2022, the Owls knocked off two MLS clubs (Chicago Fire and Minnesota United) to reach the Quarterfinals. The run ended with a 6-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City, but the scoreline did not diminish Omaha’s feat of becoming the first team from Nebraska to reach the Quarterfinals and the first third division team to do so since 2013.

Omaha were involved in more Open Cup headlines in 2023, with a 5-1 loss to St. Louis City in front of a Third Round-record 22,423 fans at St. Louis.

Adding to a big Open Cup run was a successful showing in the 2024 USL League One season. After winning the Supporters’ Shield with a 15-4-3 record, Omaha went on to win the League One playoffs with a resounding 3-0 win over upstarts Spokane Velocity. The club’s only “failure” was not winning the inaugural USL Jägermeister Cup, losing 2-0 in the semifinals to the departed Northern Colorado Hailstorm.

MORE: Location of future Union Omaha soccer stadium in flux

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Loudoun United holds off West Chester United to earn road win

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Loudoun United FC celebrates in the locker room after a 3-2 win over West Chester United in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Loudoun United FC
Loudoun United FC celebrates in the locker room after a 3-2 win over West Chester United in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Loudoun United FC

Loudoun United FC knocked West Chester United out in the First Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on the back of a Riley Bidois brace. The home side were the ones who opened the scoring, via a Yassine Elkhaloun penalty kick. Although the amateurs kept the pressure on, Loudoun’s attack proved to be too powerful.

An elegant move saw an open Riley Bidois tap home from close range to equalize. After the half, Loudoun converted a penalty of their own, before Bidois bagged his second with an adept 1-v-1 finish. West Chester kept things interesting through a Kenneth Roby strike that brought them within one, but were unable to find a 3rd goal despite some late chances. The result sees Loudoun United advance to the Second Round. It marks the third year in a row that United has advancd in their first game. 

On a pleasant evening that turned chilly with the sun’s setting, West Chester and Loudoun faced off for the first time in history under the lights at YSC Sports in Wayne, Pa. Both sides wasted no time, each creating several dangerous opportunities in the opening minutes of back and forth action. Under heavy pressure from three West Chester players, Riley Bidois lost the ball in his own half. Forward Joshua Luccini slipped midfielder Kenneth Roby in on net but Hugo Faroux’s kick save kept West Chester off the board.

The Pegasus responded with a few of their own attacks and it seemed like they would open the scoring. In the 7th minute, midfielder Benjamin Mines sent a curving cross onto the foot of forward Bidois, but the New Zealander’s shot was inches wide. 

Not long after, the hosts opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Luccini played his winger Ayoub Mouhou into Loudoun’s area. Defender Alex Nagy applied pressure but his tackle attempt tripped Mouhou, causing head referee Joshua Encarnación to point to the spot. Yassine Elkhaloun stepped up and sent Loudoun keeper Faroux the wrong way, as he stroked home from 12 yards out.

West Chester, with the fans at YSC roaring them on, kept the pressure on Loudoun for the next several minutes. In the 22nd minute, Mouhou drove forward on the break and switched to Roby who cut back for midfielder Marcus Brenes’s late run. Brenes shot but Faroux was again equal to the task.

As the first half wore on, momentum swung in favor of Loudoun United. After probing the West Chester defence, the Pegasus took flight with an elegant maneuver to score. After regaining possession near midfield, the ball came to striker Christian Sorto. He bobbed and weaved through the West Chester wing before passing to Hurge. Hurge clipped a pinpoint cross to Mines, who volleyed a pass to a waiting Bidois at the back post for the leveller in the 37th minute. 

The score remained at one apiece heading into the halftime break.

Early into the second half, Loudoun United would take the lead with a penalty of their own. In the 47th minute, a lurking Benjamin Mines was first to a spilled ball from WCU goalie Andrew Cooke. Mines collected and looked set to score but was brought down by Cooke in the keeper’s attempt to regain possession. Encarnación initially signaled advantage, as West Chester still had the ball, but Bidois’s miss caused the referee to point to the spot. Sorto was the chosen man for Loudoun. He shuffled his feet in the run up and sent Cooke the wrong way to give Loudoun the lead. 

The Pegasus doubled their advantage not long after. Bidois would find his brace in the 61st minute. After a backheel flick from Sorto found midfielder Surafel Mengestu, the Ethiopian’s pass deflected off West Chester’s Ammit Bhogal and bounced favorably for Bidois. The Kiwi deftly finished past Cooke to bag his brace.

Not content to let things get boring, West Chester pulled one back in the 68th minute. Loudon substitute Yanis Leerman hit a hard pass to Mengestu who miscontrolled. Mouhou was ready to pounce and pushed past Mengestu before playing Roby through on goal. The former SUNY New Paltz Eagle made no mistake, and his low finish sent a shockwave of hope through YSC Sports.

With an impassioned West Chester pushing for an equalizer, there was always bound to be some drama. Deep into the 5 added minutes of stoppage time, the game threatened to boil over.

West Chester sub Giancarlo Vaccaro burned Loudoun’s Benjamin Mines with a slick dummy turn, and looked to be streaking towards goal. Mines, determined to stop the Eagles from scoring, could only haul Vaccaro down in desperation. As Encarnación blew for a foul, Vaccarro furiously went after Mines and pushed him to the ground, sparking an altercation between both teams. 

After things calmed down, Encarnación booked both players and West Chester restarted with a free kick near mid-field. Every WCU player lined up in Loudoun’s box, including the goalie, in a final attempt to carve out a goal. After Loudoun cleared the initial ball, it came out to West Chester’s Ammit Bhogal on the edge of the box. Bhogal felt the push of the smaller Aaron Hurge, but went down too easily. Encarnación ignored the pleas of the WCU players and fans who felt otherwise, even booking Andrew Cooke for his excessive protest on the way back to his net. 

That was the last meaningful action of the game as the whistle blew for full time shortly after.

When asked about his team’s performance on the night Loudon Head Coach Ryan Martin stated that lots of his players played well, with several making their first ever starts for the club he went to surmise the importance of winning in a knockout game, “… It’s really important when you get into these moments here…to find a way to advance. Whether it’s penalty kicks, last minute, when they got everybody in the box, it’s the last service of the game you got to find a way to clear it out and make a play. Our guys did enough to win the game. We made it harder on ourselves than we had to but, incredibly proud that they pulled off a result here on the road and in a tough place”.

Loudon will advance to the Second Round of the Open Cup and will look to reach at least the Round of 32 for the third year running. West Chester can hold their heads high but have not advanced past the opening round since 2019.

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Chattanooga Red Wolves need PKs to survive upset bid from NJ Alliance

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The Chattanooga Red Wolves and the New Jersey Alliance square off at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium in Newark, NJ in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: New Jersey Alliance
The Chattanooga Red Wolves and the New Jersey Alliance square off at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium in Newark, NJ in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: New Jersey Alliance

Despite playing down a man for more than 80 minutes, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC overcame NJ Alliance FC in a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 4-2 after a 2-2 draw in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup on Tuesday night.

New Jersey struck first just before halftime, with Marlon Preciado finding the net one minute into stoppage time. Chattanooga, however, battled back in the second half after Garrett Morris was sent off with a red card in the 36th minute.

Graphic by Frank Lanham

The Red Wolves equalized in the 65th minute when Matthew Bentley converted a penalty. Bentley struck again in the 84th minute, giving Chattanooga a 2-1 lead, but NJ forced extra time with a dramatic goal two minutes into stoppage time from Joel Quist.

With no available substitutes for the backline, Chattanooga was forced to bring on backup goalkeeper Jason Smith as an emergency defender after an injury to starter Eric Kinser. 

Despite the adversity, the Red Wolves held firm through extra time and sealed the win in the penalty shootout with Bentley, Ualefi Rodrigues Dos Reis, Jason Smith, and Owen Green converting on their kicks against NJ goalkeeper, Yamil Macias. Red Wolves keeper, Ricardo Jerez, stopped Konrad Rodzen’s penalty while Christian Villegas missed on his attempt for New Jersey.

“We were poor, really, realy poor in the first half. Credit to New Jersey,” said Red Wolves head coach Scott Mackenzie. “They did a lot of stuff that was difficult or us, but at halftime we were very very honest with ourselves and got a very good reaction and we fought for the rest of the game.”

This marked the second year in a row that the Red Wolves have advanced to the Second Round.

 

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