US Open Cup

2026 US Open Cup Round 3: Revolution need PKs to win battle of New England over Rhode Island

April 15, 2026 by Eric Casey

Players from the New England Revolution (blue) and Rhode Island FC battle for the ball in the Round of 32 of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Rhode Island FC

The New England Revolution staved off a feisty Rhode Island FC on Tuesday night, as goalkeeper Donovan Parisian — making his first start for the first team — played a big role in preventing the upset, allowing the Revolution to win 3-1 in penalties after a 1-1 draw and advance to the Round of 16 in the 2026 US Open Cup.

The Round of 32 contest saw the MLS squad travel 21 miles south to serve as the home team at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, the usual home of their opponents. It was the second time these two squads have met in the Cup in the past two years.

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The game eventually found itself packed with action after a slow start, with the first 30 minutes seeing only the Revolution log a single shot. A memorable moment finally arrived a few minutes into the second half, as a 51st minute cross into the box from Peyton Miller found the head of fellow Revolution defender Damario McIntosh, who left in the path of a streaking Diego Fagundez.

A familiar face for Revolution fans, having returned to his childhood squad this year after an eight-year stint away, Fagundez fired a rocket pass Rhode Island goalkeeper Koke Vegas for a 1-0 lead. It was Fagundez’s third goal in the competition all-time, and second in a Revs uniform, with his last for New England coming in 2017.

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RIFC had just one shot through 75 minutes, doing little to test 21-year-old New England goalkeeper Donovan Parisian, who was playing in his inaugural game with the first-team squad, coming from MLS NEXT Pro’s New England Revolution II.

That quickly changed in the last 20 minutes of the contest, as RIFC slowly found its legs. In the 82nd minute, a long ball to a streaking Leo Alfonso gave him a clear shot on goal, but Parisian made the diving save to his left.

With multiple players needing treatment in the second half, 10 minutes was added on, giving Rhode Island more time to attack. The USL-C squad needed every minute of it, putting a looping ball into the box in the 10th minute of stoppage time. Parisian got his hands to the ball above his head, but it deflected away right to the head of RIFC’s JJ Williams.

His header hit off the post, with Parisian diving to knock the rebound away. Parisian collided with a RIFC player and stayed down, leading the official to stop play.

Play resumed with a drop ball to Rhode Island’s Hamady Diop right outside the box. His launched cross deflected off a Rev defender and directly to the head of Williams. WIlliams’ header beat Parisian, giving Rhode Island a stunning, last-second equalizer at 1-1 directly in front of their supporter’s section, who were sitting in the typical section despite their status as away opponents.

Extra time saw chances for both teams, with the most threatening being a 103rd minute screamer from Luca Langoni that made it past Vegas, but it was deflected off the line by RIFC defender Grant Stoneman.

Parisian lasted 110 minutes before allowing a Rhode Island goal, and he came up big again in the penalty shootout.

Diop started penalties off with a goal, quickly matched by New England’s Luca Langoni. Then, Parisian stopped successive efforts from Jojea Kwizera, Leo Afonso, and Williams, allowing goals from New England veteran Andrew Farrell and captain Tanner Beason to be the difference makers.

“I’m feeling ecstatic. I’m just really, really happy for the team, for myself, the coaches, everyone,” said Parisian. “A lot of work gets put into it, specifically for the PKs, doing homework on it and trusting Kevin Hitchcock.”

“Everybody ran their tails off, I mean they really put everything out there,” Williams said. “So we just got to be a little bit better at the end.”

With the win, the Revolution will play in the Round of 16 for the 17th time in franchise history. RIFC’s exit from the tournament mirrored last year, which also saw them eliminated by the Revs in the Round of 32.

2026 US Open Cup Round of 32 Review: More prize money awarded as 3 lower division teams remain

April 15, 2026 by TheCup.us Staff

The 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is down to 16 teams, and three of them hail from the United Soccer Leagues. Those three teams will join the 13 remaining teams from Major League Soccer in the Round of 16, which is scheduled for the week of April 28-29.

Louisville City opened the round by ousting last year’s runner-up Austin FC, while later in the evening, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks dominated four-time champion Sporting Kansas City.

Also on Tuesday, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks pulled off what might be the most surprising result as they cruised past the four-time US Open Cup champion Sporting Kansas City. Upsetting an MLS team for the first time wasn’t the shocking part. It was the 3-0 scoreline. The Switchbacks join an exclusive club of nine lower division teams in the Modern Era (1995-present) who have beaten an MLS team by three or more goals.

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On Wednesday, the lone cupset came from the penalty spot as the defending USL League One champion One Knoxville SC eliminated three-time Open Cup champ D.C. United 6-5 in PKs after an exciting 3-3 draw. One Knox fell behind twice during regulation and extra time and came back to tie the game and ultimately advanced in a tiebreaker.

Not only did One Knox earn the club’s first upset of an MLS team, but they also won the $50,000 prize money as the Division 3 team that has lasted the longest. They joined Asheville City SC (USL-2) who won the amateur prize money after Round 2.

Out of the remaining 13 MLS teams in the Round of 16, only two of them (Chicago Fire FC, Houston Dynamo FC) have won the Open Cup multiple times. Chicago continue to seek a fifth tournament title, which would tie them for the all-time record. Houston has won it twice in 2018 and 2023.

Seven of those 13 MLS teams have never won the competition before.

Below you will find a brief recap of all 16 of the Round of 32 games with links to a full game recap (with video highlights).

TUESDAY, APRIL 14

New England Revolution (MLS)
1:1
Rhode Island FC (USL-C)
New England advances, 3-1 on PKs
Centreville Bank Stadium – Pawtucket, RI

By Michael Battista

The New England Revolution walked away as victors in the latest edition of the Route 1 Derby, knocking off local rivals Rhode Island FC 1-1 (3:1 PKs). The “home” game for the Revs, played at RIFC’s stadium due to FIFA World Cup prep at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, was slow to start. Both teams entered halftime scoreless with only two Revolution shots in the first 45 minutes.

In the 51st minute, NE’s Diego Fagúndez scored the game’s first goal. The Revs legend notched his first USOC goal for New England in nine years after leaving the team in 2020 but returning for this season. Rhode Island pushed for an equalizer and after 11 minutes of stoppage time, they got it off the head of JJ Williams to force extra time.

Two scoreless 15 minute halves forced penalty kicks. After both teams scored in Round 1, New England goalkeeper Donovan Parisian – making his debut with the first team after playing with the reserves for a season, stopped three straight penalty kick attempts. The Revs scored in Round 2 before Tanner Beason scored in Round 4 to send the Revolution into the next round.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT (with video highlights)

Louisville City FC (USL-C)
2:1
Austin FC (MLS)
Lynn Family Stadium – Louisville, KY

By Josh Hakala

Two first half goals by Sean Totsch and Tola Showunmi were enough for Louisville CIty to hold on for a 2-1 upset of Austin FC. It was the USL Championship side’s first win over an MLS team since 2018 and snapped a six-game winless streak against teams from the top division.

Totsch opened the scoring in the 26th minute off a corner kick when he beat multiple defenders to a header in front of goal. It was his seventh career US Open Cup goal, which is the most of any Louisville City player in team history.

Showunmi’s tournament-leading fourth goal came six minutes later when he volleyed home a Manny Perez cross from the right wing.

CJ Fodrey, one of the heroes of Austin FC’s run to the Open Cup Final last year, scored a header to cut the lead in half in the 70th minute, but City was able to repell Austin for the remainder of the match.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT (with video highlights)

Westchester SC (USL-1)
2:5
New York City FC (MLS)
Mount Vernon Memorial Field – Mount Vernon, NY

by Connor Bunnell

New York City FC entered the Open Cup fray with a dominant display Tuesday night, easily handling their USL League One hosts Westchester SC 5-2.

Two players in particular were essential to the City Boys’ dominance, and the first was quick to emerge from the shadows. In the 12th minute, young Argentinian winger Agustin Ojeda tried to distribute to Seymour Garfield-Reid in Westchester’s box, but received the ball back and scored to draw first blood. Ten minutes later, the Upstate underdogs responded by exploiting NYC’s weakness to setpieces and leveled the playing field, but that flame of hope quickly snuffed out when Westchester’s Conor McGlynn committed a handball in his own penalty box. That set the stage for the Pigeons’ other hero, Brazilian forward Talles Magno, who promptly delivered from the spot to put the visitors back in front.

Ojeda and Magno soon joined forces to help their side out the pedal to the metal, with the former assisting the latter’s second goal in the 36th, and the Argentinian followed it up by assisting a second time five minutes later, allowing Spanish midfielder Arnau Farnos to register his first ever professional goal.

With the score already 4-1 by halftime, things slowed down in the second half, but Magno wasn’t done yet. The Brazilian took a cross from Tayvon Gray and thwacked it home with a header, giving Magno a hat trick in the 70th minute. Westchester, to their credit, kept fighting, even clawing one back three minutes later courtesy of Kyle Evans, but the hole was just too deep, and New York City held the line the rest of the way to return to the Round of 16 for the first time in four years.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT (with video highlights)

Detroit City FC (USL-C)
1:2
Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
Keyworth Stadium – Hamtramck, MI

By Tim Abbott

Jason Shokalook posted up his defender like an NBA center and hooked in the go-ahead goal in the 34th minute after an even opening half-hour. The same player then doubled the visitors’ lead with a crafty finish inside the right hand post only two minutes later.

A restless home crowd would ultimately have little to sink their teeth into as City saw a handful of good chances unfulfilled. The Fire had an astounding stat line of only two shots on target, both scored, until well past the hour mark. Darren Smith made it 2-1 from close in and almost immediately, a red card for Fire’s Puso Dithejane gave the hosts momentum but they were unable to find their way back. Connor Rutz had the best chance to tie the game with the man advantage but his curling shot went wide as Chicago added to its Modern Era record with a 48th tournament win.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT (with video highlights)

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)
3:0
Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
Weidner Field – Colorado Springs, CO

By Sam Brummitt

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks confidently put away the four-time US Open Cup champions, Sporting Kansas City with a 3-0 win in Colorado Springs, Colo. on Tuesday evening. The first half was all Colorado Springs, who played with a high tempo and aggressiveness on the ball, while Sporting KC seemed to often be half a step behind each pass and unable to progress the ball into the final third.

In the 12th minute, the Switchbacks’ Sadam Masereka moved the ball down the left wing and squared it to Juan Tejada to score. Masereka followed up on his assist with the Switchbacks’ second goal in the 31st minute. A poorly aimed backpass by Sporting KC’s Jayden Reid towards his own penalty box gave Maseraka an opportunity to intercept the pass and slot it past SKC’s goalkeeper, John Pulskamp.

After managing only one shot in the first half, Sporting KC showed more urgency and attacking prowess in the second half. However, Sporting KC’s composure began to slip as the game clock ran out. A scuffle between half a dozen players erupted in the 78th minute after a dangerous tackle by the Switchbacks’ Aidan Rocha on Sporting KC’s Magomed-Shapi Suleymanov. Amidst the scuffle, Suleymanov shoved Rocha to the ground and when the dust settled, Suleymanov was shown red and Rocha a yellow card. The Switchbacks’ Khori Bennett put the game away with a third goal in the 84th minute. With this dominant win, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks advance to the Round of 16 for the first time in the club’s history.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT (with video highlights)

Colorado Rapids (MLS)
1:0
Union Omaha (USL-1)
DICK’s Sporting Goods Park – Commerce City, CO

By MaryBeth Zmuda

Colorado Rapids, one of 16 MLS teams to enter the round of 32 in the 2026 US Open Cup tournament, hosted USL League One’s Union Omaha at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Colorado handed Omaha their exit from the tournament with a 1-0 victory.

The Rapids haven’t tasted Open Cup play since 2023 and Union was on a six-match win streak, so the odds of a cupset seemed to lean toward Omaha, but Colorado beat those odds.

Colorado opened and closed the scoring for the entire match in the 21st minute. Union’s defense made a dire mistake in the vicinity of their net. Colorado’s Dante Sealy was able to capitalize and send one into the bottom left corner giving the Rapids what would be the winning goal.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT (with video highlights)

Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
0:0
Minnesota United FC (MLS)
Minnesota United FC advances, 9-8 on PKs
Heart Health Park – Sacramento, CA

By Jake Sillick

In a game that didn’t have many clear cut chances, it would be Minnesota United that would come out on top in the shootout in the end. Minnesota United did dominate possession roughly 67-33 in the game, and had the most chances, but nothing was finding the back of the net.

Sacramento did have their chances in the match, including one big one in the 115th minute that went right at goalkeeper Alec Smir and he saved it with his chest.

In the shootout’s third round, Sacramento’s Aaron Essel had a unique kick, quickly kicking it after placing it and an extremely short run up. It would be saved by Smir, keeping things at 2-2 in the shootout. We would see things go all the way to the 11th round where keepers end up having to take penalties. Smir’s penalty was hit too hight, but he would end up saving Danny Vitiello’s penalty to send it back to the start and the 12th round. Finally in that round, Dominik Wanner would miss his penalty to the right and that would end it at 9-8 in 12 rounds of PKs. It would finish as the second-longest PK shootout of the Modern Era.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT (with video highlights)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15

FC Naples (USL-1)
0:1
Orlando City SC (MLS)
Paradise Coast Sports Complex – Naples, FL

By Jordan Beech

A goal inside the first half hour proved the difference as USL League One upstarts FC Naples fell, 1-0, to Orlando City SC.

Tyrese Spicer scored the match’s lone goal in the 18th minute when he fired home from long distance off Braian Ojeda’s assist. Orlando City keeper Javier Otero was tested on the night, but proved equal to the task with seven saves to secure the clean sheet.

With the win, Orlando City SC is headed back to the Round of 16 for the second straight year where they will face the New England Revolution.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT (with video highlights)

Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
0:3
Columbus Crew SC (MLS)
City Stadium – Richmond, VA

By Xavier Thompson

The Richmond Kickers held their own early on home turf against the Columbus Crew in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, coming out aggressive and even creating a few real chances in the early minutes . For a stretch, it looked like one of those classic Open Cup moments where the lower division side could challenge for an upset, but they were unable to capitalize on their early momentum.

The turning point came just minutes before halftime when Columbus’ Andres Herrera broke through and found Hugo Picard on the back post, shifting the entire energy of the game. From there, the Crew settled in and began to control possession, tempo, and spacing, eventually adding two more goals in the second half. Their quality and depth showed as they dictated the match from the goal onwards and limited Richmond’s ability to respond.

Columbus will host the last remaining USL League One team, One Knoxville SC, in the Round of 16.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT (with video highlights)

D.C. United (MLS)
3:3
One Knoxville SC (USL-1)
One Knoxville advances, 6-5 in PKs
Audi Field – Washington, D.C.

By Clement Williams

In their first ever Open Cup matchup against MLS competition, One Knoxville SC pulled off a dramatic penalty shootout upset on-the-road over D.C. United, following a wild 3–3 draw in extra time.

The first goal of the game wouldn’t come until the second half when United received an impressive long-range strike from Matti Peltola in the 61st minute.

Rather than capitulate. Knoxville showed their mettle to find their way back into the cup-tie. They seized back control of the game with a well-worked Braudílio Rodrigues shot that tied the game in the 75th minute. Then, just three minutes later, substitute and leading scorer Denis Krioutchenkov’s first touch on the field grabbed the Tennesseans an exhilarating 2–1 advantage.

Yet such joy was short-lived as their higher division foes would equalize only four minutes later to send the match into extra time via Nikola Markovic’s header.

In the 97th minute of extra time, DCU goalkeeper Alex Bono’s long ball was unfortunately misjudged by his opposite number Jonathan Burke, and Peglow restored D.C.’s lead. It seemed then that Knoxville’s cinderella story was up. But then, their goal-machine Krioutchenkov dramatically grabbed his second of the night in the 112th minute to force a penalty shootout.

Both teams held their nerve and were perfect from the spot through their first five, until Burke was able to atone for his extra time error, denying Gabriel Pirani’s attempt! Kyle Linhares was then able to convert the decisive kick and seal a famous 6–5 penalty victory: completing a memorable cupset for Knoxville and sending them into the next round to face the Columbus Crew.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT (with video highlights)

New York Red Bulls (MLS)
3:1
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
Sports Illustrated Stadium – Harrison, NJ

By Jordan Beech

Paced by Julian Hall’s brace, the New York Red Bulls dispatched the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, 3-1, on Wednesday night in the Round of 32. The win secures Michael Bradley’s outfit passage to the Round of 16 in back-to-back years for the second time in five years.

Emil Forsberg drew first blood for NYRB in the 25th minute when he placed his free kick in the top right corner. Three minutes later, Hall found space in the middle of the box and fired home to double the advantage.

Hall and Forsberg linked up quickly in the second half, with Hall scoring the hosts’ third goal in the 47th minute. Trevor Amann managed to pull one back for the Riverhounds to provide the final score of the evening.

It will be an Empire State affair in the next round as NYRB are slated to host New York City FC in an Open Cup-edition of the Hudson River Derby.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT (with video highlights)

Chattanooga FC (MLSNP)
1:3
Atlanta United FC (MLS)
Finley Stadium – Chattanooga, TN

By Ashle Lynn Paige

After 90 minutes the visiting side certainly was breathing a sigh of relief after coming away with a 3–1 win. After giving up an early goal, Atlanta United was forced to come back from down 1-0 and at times it looked as if Chattanooga FC would be the team advancing.

Just six minutes into the contest Yves Tcheuyap put the hosts on the board first at Finley Stadium with a beautiful finish near the edge of the penalty area. 15 minutes later Cayman Togashi hit a sliding shot to level the day after a low cross from Ajani Fortune.

Atlanta’s Fabrice Picaul scored what ended up being the match winner in the 64th on a shot that took a deflection off a player and cracked the post before finally ending up in goal. Pedro Amador put the nail in the coffin with a 76th minute, putting in a loose ball off a one touch shot inside the box.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT (with video highlights)

Charlotte FC (MLS)
6:0
Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
Mecklenburg County Sportsplex – Matthews, NC

By Tavio Palazzolo

In a battle for the Queen City, the MLS side Charlotte FC made easy work of USL League One side Charlotte Independence, winning 6-0 at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex. Charlotte FC advances to the Round of 16 for the fourth time in the four years they’ve competed in the US Open Cup.

An early red card to Independence goalkeeper Giorgios Tasouris for challenging Archie Goodwin just outside the box put them down to 10 and forced in their substitute goalkeeper Matthew Levy. This gave the Crown the opening they needed to start their onslaught.

Goodwin would get the opening goal just before halftime, then five more would score in the second half as Charlotte FC would have six different goalscorers. Henry Kessler, Nimfasha Berchimas, David Schnegg (who would score on a direct free kick), Kerwin Vargas, and Baye Coulibaly all found their way onto the scoresheet. Moving on to the Round of 16, Charlotte FC will host Atlanta United FC.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT (with video highlights)

St. Louis CITY SC (MLS)
4:0
FC Tulsa (USL-C)
Energizer Park – St. Louis, MO

By Tim Abbott

It was a stroll for St Louis, with four very distinctive goals and an unarguable red card for Tulsa. Marcel Hartel in the 20th minute, floated a ball from the edge of the area into the top corner of the goal. It was 2-0 after a Roman Burki GK punt downfield bounced clear of the defense and Sang Bin Jeong applied the finishing touch.

Mykhi Joiner whipped a beautifully curled free kick from the edge of the penalty arc for the third goal and the home team went up a man after Lucas Stauffer pulled back a City attacker by his jersey when he was almost clear. Tomas Ostrak completed the rout with a low shot fired in at the near post in the 77th minute.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT (with video highlights)

Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
4:1
El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C)
Shell Energy Stadium – Houston, TX

By Jake Sillick

This one got started with some major fireworks early as the Houston Dynamo would score on a bicycle kick by Ondrej Lingr less than 2 minutes into the match. Kofi Twumasi would then take down a Dynamo player just outside the box and be the last man, resulting in an automatic red card for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity. El Paso were down to 10 men just 25 minutes into the match and it would stay that way the rest of the game.

Not to be outdone by Lingr, Mateusz Bogusz scored even quicker into the second half, scoring 30 seconds into the second half. Dynamo goals by Nick Markanich in the 58th and Ezequiel Ponce in the 80th would round out this match. A consolation goal was scored by El Paso Locomotive in the 75th minute by Roberto Avila, but Houston advances to host Louisville City FC (USL-C).

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT (with video highlights)

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
2:0
Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
PayPal Park – San Jose, CA

By Jake Sillick

San Jose got off to a quick start in the 3rd minute, scoring through Nick Fernandez off a short corner from the top of the box. They would then follow up 20 minutes later with another goal as Jack Jacinski found a plethora of space and made a nice low shot past the keeper.

Things would get interesting just before half as Jonathan Gonzalez of the Earthquakes would make a huge blunder, committing his second professional foul in the half and would be sent off for his second yellow card in the 39th minute. San Jose would be up 2 goals at half, but down a man.

The second half saw a lot of chances for Phoenix, but despite having a man advantage on the field, they couldn’t find the back of the net, and San Jose held on for the victory.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT (with video highlights)

2026 US Open Cup Round 3 Preview: MLS joins Round of 32

April 13, 2026 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

Richmond Kickers fans celebrate after a 2-1 win over Loudoun United in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Richmond Kickers

It’s the round the lower-league clubs of America wait for, when MLS teams enter the ring, and they get a chance to knock off one of the “big boys” and possibly repeat Sacramento Republic’s run to the Final in 2022.

The 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup continues this week with 16 Third Round games on the schedule. With seven games on Tuesday and nine more on Wednesday, the 16 winners will advance to the Round of 16 (April 28-29).

Follow TheCup.us on BlueSky @TheCup.us and X (Twitter) @USOpenCup throughout the round for live updates from our reporters who will be at every stadium.

All 16 games will be streamed live on Paramount+, with six select games also being shown on the CBS Sports Network.

Below you will find a preview of all 16 games with links to the live streams:

TUESDAY, APRIL 14

New England Revolution (MLS)
vs.
Rhode Island FC (USL-C)
Centreville Bank Stadium – Pawtucket, RI
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

In a rematch of their 2025 encounter in the Fourth Round, the New England Revolution have the odd designation of being the home team while playing at the venue of their opponents, Rhode Island FC.

The winner will face the either FC Naples or Orlando City in the Round of 16.

New England has a history of playing home Open Cup matches outside of their normal home venue. The Revolution have played just 10 of their 25 Open Cup games in their home venues of Foxboro Stadium and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

The last time the Revolution lost an Open Cup game to a Division 2 level team was in the 2023 Fourth Round when they fell 1-0 to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

Players from the New England Revolution and Rhode Island FC battle for the ball in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Mathieu Starke

The rest of their Cup home games have taken place in 7 venues in 4 different cities, with Pawtucket’s Centreville Bank Stadium becoming venue number 8 and city number 5. Their most popular “home away from home” is Veterans Memorial Stadium in New Britain, Conn., although that venue has not been used by the Revs since the 2009 Third Round versus the Harrisburg City Islanders, a 2-1 extra time loss for the MLS side.

New England and Rhode Island met in the 2025 Fourth Round in a game that was won at the very end. Played at Centreville Bank Stadium, with Rhode Island as hosts, the Revs struck first through Tomas Chancalay in the 38th minute. Rhode Island equalized five minutes into the second half on a goal from Mexi Rodriguez. With two minutes remaining, Cristiano Oliveira put away a cross that rebounded off the upright of a 2-1 win.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Rhode Island FC had no trouble with CD Faialense of the Bay State Soccer League, winning 4-0 in Round 1. Dani Rovira (13’) and Calvin Williams (26’) scored in the opening half, and Nick Scardina’s goal (78’) was followed two minutes later by an own goal.

In the Second Round, Rhode Island handed USL Championship rivals Hartford Athletic a 2-0 loss. JJ Williams assisted with Aldair Sanchez’s 12th-minute goal, then scored himself in the 29th minute.

New England Revolution
Major League Soccer | Foxborough, MA
22nd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1996
Manager: Marko Mitrovic
Overall: 23-18-5 (3-2 PK)
Home: 15-7-3 (2-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 8-11-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Champion (2007)

Outside of their lone Open Cup championship in 2007 and two other Final appearances in 2000 and 2016, New England’s Open Cup history is lackluster. 13 of their 21 previous appearances in the Open Cup have ended after just two or fewer games.

The Revs league record isn’t much better, with just one Supporters Shield in 2021, and five appearances in the MLS Cup Final (2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2014) with no championships.

Massachusetts has been home to five other Open Cup Champions, with eight titles among them. Leading the way are the Fall River Marksmen, winners of five Open Cup titles. The club had the unique situation of being based in Fall River, Mass., but playing their home games just across the border in Tiverton, R.I. This was done to circumvent Massachusetts Blue Laws that prohibited charging admission for games played on Sunday.

Rhode Island FC
USL Championship | Pawtucket, RI
3rd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2019
Manager: Khano Smith
Overall: 1-1-0 (0-1 PK)
Away: 1-0-1 (0-1 PK)
Vs. MLS: 0-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2025)

Despite the lack of recent history of teams from the Ocean State in the USOC, the state still has a rich history in the tournament. By far the most successful club from Rhode Island is J&P Coats, which reached the Open Cup Semifinals in 1923, 1926, and 1928. After an ownership change, the team was renamed the Pawtucket Rangers and reached the Semifinals again in 1933, and made the Final in 1934 and 1935, losing both times to St. Louis powerhouse Stix, Baer & Fuller / Central Breweries.

A new team, Pawtucket SC, found success in 1941, winning the Open Cup Final over Detroit’s Chrysler SC 6-5 over two games. Pawtucket reached the Final again the following year but lost to Gallatin (Western Penn.) 6-3 over two games.

While Rhode Island fell short of matching its 2024 appearance in the USL Championship Final, it did reach the Eastern Conference Final despite a 7th-place finish at 10-12-8. Each year, Rhode Island has improved its Open Cup performance. After being eliminated by Charlotte Independence on penalties after a wild 4-4 draw in their opening game in 2024, last year they defeated Portland Hearts of Pine 2-1 in their opening contest, moving on to a game against the New England Revolution, where they lost 2-1.

Louisville City FC (USL-C)
vs.
Austin FC (MLS)
Lynn Family Stadium – Louisville, KY
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+/CBS Sports Network

Last year’s Open Cup runner-up, Austin FC, begin their quest to return to the Final when they visit Lynn Family Stadium to face Louisville City FC.

The winner will face either the Houston Dynamo (MLS) or El Paso Locomotive (USL-C) in the Round of 16.

After not achieving much success in their first two Open Cup appearances, Austin went to the Final in 2025. After opening with a comeback 3-2 victory over El Paso Locomotive of the USL Championship “The Verde and Black” ran a gauntlet of MLS Western Conference rivals, knocking off the Houston Dynamo FC (3-1), San Jose Earthquakes (2-2, 4-2 PKs) and Minnesota United FC (2-1 AET) before falling 2-1 to Nashville SC in the Final.

Players from Louisville City FC celebrate a goal against Southern Indiana FC in the First Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Louisville City FC

Louisville has been eliminated from the last six tournaments by MLS teams, a run that goes back to 2018 when they beat the New England Revolution 3-2 and reached the Quarterfinals. It was also the only time Louisville have defeated an MLS club at home.

Technically, this isn’t the first time Austin and Louisville have met this year. On Jan. 28, the clubs met in a closed-door pre-season friendly in Austin, Texas, which Austin won 1-0.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Two goals from Tola Showunmi in the 20th and 30th minutes were all Louisville City needed to defeat their opponents from across the Ohio River, Southern Indiana FC of the UPSL, in the opening round. Louisville outshot Southern Indiana 21-4 as the returning Showunmi, who was previously with Louisville in 2014, provided the scoring.

In the Second Round, Louisville recorded their fifth straight Commonwealth Cup victory over in-state rivals Lexington Sporting Club 2-0. Senegalese midfielder Babacar Niang opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, and Tola Showunmi doubled the lead in the 51st minute with his third goal of the 2026 Open Cup.

Louisville City FC
USL Championship | Louisville, KY
10th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2014
Manager: Simon Bird (interim)
Overall: 15-8-4 (3-1 PK)
Home: 10-2-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-6-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2018)

Louisville City had yet another stellar season in the 2025 USL Championship, finishing 22-7-1 and claiming the USL Championship Player’s Shield for the second consecutive year. The run came to a screeching halt in the playoffs as Louisville were upset by No. 8 seed Detroit City FC 1-0 in the opening round.

Last year, Louisville saw its Open Cup run end after two games. In the Third Round, LCFC fell to Minnesota United 1-0.

AUSTIN FC
Major League Soccer | Austin, TX
4th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2021
Manager: Nico Estévez
Overall: 4-3-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 1-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 2-1-0
Best finish: Final (2025)

The City of Austin also has a limited history in the Open Cup. The highest profile team in the pre-Modern Era is perhaps the Austin Soccadillos, who entered the 1991 tournament, winning their group in USISL qualifying only to fall 3-0 to the other group winner in the USISL qualifying final, the Richardson Rockets. The Rockets would go on to reach the 1991 US Open Cup Final.

More than 100 Austin FC fans made the trip to Allianz Field to watch their team beat Minnesota United FC 2-1 in extra time in the 2025 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: Seth Steffenhagen - Northland Soccer Journal — More than 100 Austin FC fans made the trip to Allianz Field to watch their team beat Minnesota United FC 2-1 in extra time in the 2025 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: Seth Steffenhagen – Northland Soccer Journal

In the Modern Era, six other teams represented Austin in the Open Cup. First up was the Austin Lone Stars of the USL D-3 Pro League, appearing in three tournaments from 1997 to 1999, only posting a 2-3 record. Amateur club Real Madrid won the USASA Region III qualifying tournament in 2002 but lost their lone Cup game.

The new Austin Aztex qualified as a PDL club in 2013 and 2014 without much success, then again in 2015 when the club turned pro and moved up to the USL, reaching the Third Round where they lost 2-0 to the Houston Dynamo.

In 2019, the USL Championship’s Austin Bold matched the Aztex 2015 run, reaching the Third Round before also falling to the Houston Dynamo, this time 3-2.

Finally, the only other team currently calling Austin its home is Austin FC II, which appeared in 2024 and were upset by amateur side FORO SC on penalties.

Westchester SC (USL-1)
vs.
New York City FC (MLS)
Mount Vernon Memorial Field – Mount Vernon, NY
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

New York City FC looks to rebound from two straight early exits when they make the short trip to Mount Vernon, New York, to face Westchester SC of USL League One.

The winner will face either Red Bull New York (MLS) or the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C) in the Round of 16.

New York City FC’s 1-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in last year’s Fourth Round prevented the Round of 16 from being an all-MLS affair. In their opening game of the 2023 Open Cup, NYCFC were bounced by FC Cincinnati 1-0.

NYCFC’s only Open Cup game against a Division 3 club came in the 2022 Fourth Round, when they defeated Rochester New York FC, the remnants of the Rochester Rhinos, 3-1.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Former Little Rock Ranger Daniel Burko was all the offense Westchester needed to beat the NY Renegades 2-0 in the First Round. Burko converted a penalty kick in the 34th minute, then put the game away with an 83rd-minute goal.

Westchester were taken to penalties by USL League Two Cupset darlings Vermont Green in the Second Round, winning the tiebreaker 4-3 after a 0-0 draw. Goalkeeper Matias Molina saved the first and last penalties from Vermont to avoid the upset. Molina was also a finalist for TheCup.us Player of the Round honors.

Westchester SC
USL League One | Westchester County, NY
2nd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2024
Manager: George Gjokaj
Overall: 4-1-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2025)

Westchester’s Open Cup debut was a little better than their league debut, defeating amateur clubs FC Motown (1-0) and New York Pancyprian Freedoms (3-2) before dropping a 3-1 decision to Detroit City FC (USL-C) in the Third Round.

Westchester’s debut in USL League One is certainly one to improve on, finishing last in the 14-team league at 5-16-9. Despite the last-place finish, Juan Carlos Obregón won the Golden Boot as the leading goal scorer in USL League One with 17. Obregón has since moved on to a new USL Championship side, Brooklyn FC.

New York City FC
Major League Soccer | Bronx, NY
9th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2013
Manager: Pascal Jansen
Overall: 4-6-2 (0-2 PK)
Away: 1-5-2 (0-2 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 1-0-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2019, 2022)

NYCFC began their Open Cup history with four straight one-and-done eliminations from 2015-2018. Finally, in 2019 and 2022, they broke the skid and reached the Quarterfinals. However, in 2023 and 2025, it was back to square one as they were ousted after just one game once again. In MLS play, New York City FC has missed the playoffs just twice in the past 11 seasons, winning the MLS Cup in 2021.

Detroit City FC (USL-C)
vs.
Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Keyworth Stadium – Hamtramck, MI
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+/CBS Sports Network

Detroit City will try to redeem themselves after last year’s drubbing when they host the Chicago Fire in the Third Round.

The winner will face either St. Louis CITY SC (MLS) or FC Tulsa (USL-C) in the Round of 16.

In the 2025 Open Cup, Chicago opened with their largest Open Cup win since 2018, when they defeated Detroit City 4-0. Hugo Cuypers (4’), Omari Glasgow (50’), and Maren Haile-Selassie (71’) scored for the Fire, and Detroit added an own goal by Darren Smith (35’) in that DCFC were outshot 23-5.

Detroit has two eliminations of MLS teams since they turned professional. The first was a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew in the 2022 Third Round, then in 2024, DCFC eliminated defending Open Cup champions Houston Dynamo via penalties after a 3-3 draw. It marked just the third time in the Modern Era that a lower division team rallied from a two-goal deficit and then advanced via a PK shootout.

Chicago has been chasing a record-tying fifth Open Cup Championship since winning their fourth title in 2006. Since 2011, the Fire have reached the Semifinals five times, and in their last two tournaments, they have advanced to the Quarterfinals.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Forced to move the game indoors to the Legacy Center Fieldhouse in Brighton, Mich., due to the threat of bad weather, Detroit City had no trouble with the Michigan Rangers, winning 5-1. After their NPSL opponents grabbed a shock 1-0 lead after eight minutes, it was all Detroit City. Preston Tabortetaka tied it in the 22nd minute, then Maxi Rodriguez (56’), Alexander Dalou (65’), Ates Diouf (81’) and Preston Tabortetaka (86’) again scored in the second half to pull away.

In the Second Round, Detroit survived one of the great amateur Cupset artists, defeating USL League Two’s Flint City Bucks 1-0. Alexander Dalou scored the lone goal in the 40th minute as Le Rouge avoided becoming the Bucks’ 12th upset victim.

Detroit City FC
USL Championship | Hamtramck, MI
9th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2012
Manager: Danny Dichio
Overall: 6-5-6 (3-3)
Home: 6-1-3 (1-2)

MLS: 1-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Fifth Round (2024)

Detroit City started in 2012 as an NPSL side and quickly became known for its fervent fan base. Detroit City turned professional and joined NISA for the 2020 season, where it won two championships. In 2022, the club left NISA to join the USL Championship.

In the 2025 USL Championship season, Detroit City just made the playoff cut with a 9-11-10 record, then upset the top seed Louisville City FC 1-0 in the opening round of the playoffs. It was the second time in three years Detroit defeated the No. 1 seed as the 8th seed, knocking off the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in 2023 by the same score.

Despite having no Open Cup winners, Detroit still has a rich history in the tournament. Two teams from the Motor City have reached the championship game: Holley Carburetor (1927) and Chrysler SC (1941).

Chicago Fire FC
Major League Soccer | Chicago, IL
26th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1998
Manager: Gregg Berhalter
Overall: 47-18-7 (4-3 PK)
Away: 17-16-3 (2-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 9-4-3 (2-0 PK)

Best finish: Champions (1998, 2000, 2003, 2006)

When the Chicago Fire franchise was launched in 1998, they were an instant success, especially in the US Open Cup. The Fire are perhaps the most successful MLS club in the Open Cup with four championship wins in six Final appearances, 13 Semifinal appearances (most all-time in US Open Cup history), and 16 Quarterfinal appearances (2nd most all-time in US Open Cup history). No team in the Modern Era has more wins (47) and advances (51) than the Fire. The closest teams to that wins mark are the Seattle Sounders FC, FC Dallas, and the now-defunct Rochester Rhinos with 39.

Chicago Fire players celebrate after scoring a goal against Detroit City FC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Chicago Fire FC

In league play, they’ve been far less successful. After winning the MLS Cup in their debut year of 1998, the only other accolade the Fire has earned was the Supporters’ Shield in 2003. The club was on a dreadful seven-season run of missing the MLS Cup playoffs from 2018-2024 before snapping that streak last year.

The Windy City is home to four other Open Cup champions besides the Fire. Teams such as Bricklayers FC, Sparta A & BA, Croatian SC, and AAC Eagles, among many others, ensured that a Chicago team was a contender for the crown. Prior to the Fire lifting the trophy for the first time in 1998, the last Illinois-based club to win the Open Cup was the AAC Eagles in 1990.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)
vs.
Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
Weidner Field – Colorado Springs, CO
Kickoff: 8 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

Sporting Kansas City, one of the two four-time Open Cup champions in this year’s tournament, begin their quest to end their eight-year wait for championship No. 5 when they make just their second-ever Open Cup trip to Colorado to face the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

The winner will face either the Colorado Rapids (MLS) or Union Omaha (USL-1) in the Round of 16.

Sporting KC have lost to Division 2 opposition in the Open Cup just twice in their previous 24 appearances, 3-1 to the A-League Nashville Metros in the 1998 Third Round, and 3-1 to the Minnesota Thunder in the 2005 Quarterfinals. While SKC have never outright lost an Open Cup road game to a Division 2 foe, they have been eliminated twice via penalties. The first time was in the 2008 Quarterfinals to the then-USL First Division Seattle Sounders after a scoreless draw, and more recently in the 2022 Semifinals to Sacramento Republic, again after a 0-0 draw.

Sporting have only made one trip to Colorado for the Open Cup, and it ended with a 3-2 loss to the Colorado Rapids in the 2003 Fourth Round at the North Area Athletic Complex in Avada, Colo.

The Switchbacks have faced MLS opposition just three times in the Open Cup, losing all three. Twice they faced the Colorado Rapids in 2015 (4-1 loss) and 2016 (1-0 loss), and more recently the New York Red Bulls in 2025 (4-1 loss), all in the Fourth Round.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

In their opener, after jumping out to a 1-0 lead on Jonas Fjeldberg’s sixth-minute goal, it took the Switchbacks nearly 75 minutes to get another two and finally end the upset bid by Azteca FC 3-0. Sadam Masereka (82’) and Khori Bennett (86’) came through for Colorado Springs to beat the stubborn Colorado Premier League side.

In the Second Round, the Switchbacks faced USL League One side Spokane Velocity and were taken to penalties after a 1-1 draw. Talen Maples scored for Colorado Springs just before halftime, but Spokane equalized with three minutes remaining. In the penalty tiebreaker, Christian Herrera saved Spokane’s first two attempts, and the Switchbacks prevailed 4-2.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
USL Championship | Colorado Springs, CO
10th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2014
Manager: Alan McCann
Overall: 9-8-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 8-4-0
vs. MLS: 0-3-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2015, 2016)

Switchback refers to a type of path that follows a zig-zag pattern up a steep stretch of terrain, such as a hill or mountainside. The club has generally been middle of the road as far as success in the USL Championship, having made the playoffs three straight seasons after four years of missing out. In 2024, they had their first breakthrough, finishing second in the Western Conference and winning the USL Championship title, beating Rhode Island FC 3-0 in the Final.

Colorado Springs took a step back from winning the USL Championship crown in 2024, finishing 10-13-7 in 2025 and beating out Lexington Sporting Club by one point for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. In the Open Cup, the Switchbacks snapped a three-year one-and-done streak with a 3-2 extra-time win over One Knoxville. In the following round, the Switchbacks lost to the New York Red Bulls, 4-1.

In Open Cup play, Colorado Springs had decent showings in their first two years, going three games deep each time before being stopped by the Colorado Rapids each year. Since then, they haven’t made it past a second game.

Sporting Kansas City
Major League Soccer | Kansas City, KS
25th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1995
Manager: Raphaël Wicky
Overall: 36-17-7 (4-3 PK)
Away: 9-10-5 (2-3 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 9-2-3 (1-2 PK)
Best finish: Champions (2004, 2012, 2015, 2017)

Initially known as the Kansas City Wiz, then the Kansas City Wizards, and now Sporting Kansas City, along with the Chicago Fire and Seattle Sounders, are on the cusp of joining Bethlehem Steel, Maccabee AC, and the Fall River Marksmen/New Bedford Whalers as five-time Open Cup champions. After a slow first few years, KC hit their stride in the Open Cup, and since 2002, they’ve never gone more than two years between reaching at least the Quarterfinals.

Kansas City has been waiting for title number 5 since last lifting the trophy in 2017. Since then, they nearly won that elusive fifth title when they reached the 2024 Final, but they lost to Los Angeles FC 3-1 after extra time.

Colorado Rapids (MLS)
vs.
Union Omaha (USL-1)
DICK’s Sporting Goods Park – Commerce City, CO
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+/CBS Sports Network

After a two-year absence, the Colorado Rapids will try to regain their momentum when they host Union Omaha in the Third Round.

The winner will face either the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C) or Sporting Kansas City (MLS) in the Round of 16.

In their last Open Cup appearance in 2023, Colorado broke a 17-tournament streak of being eliminated after two or fewer games, nearly doubling the next longest streak by an MLS club set by the Columbus Crew from 2011-2022.

Colorado has been eliminated by lower division teams 11 times. They lost to a lower division team in five straight tourneys (1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001). The last time the Rapids lost to a team from this level was in the 2013 Third Round, when they fell 3-1 to Orlando City, who were then part of USL Pro.

Union Omaha has one outright win and a penalty tiebreaker win over an MLS club, both in the same tournament. The PK win came in the 2022 Third Round when they tied the Chicago Fire 2-2, then advanced via penalties 5-4. Two rounds later, Omaha shocked Minnesota United 2-1, sending the Union to their lone Quarterfinal appearance.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Omaha virtually had a First Round bye when they overwhelmed BOHFS St. Louis of the Midwest Premier League 8-0. Second-half sub Sergio Ors scored twice and assisted in two other goals in his half hour of game time. Samuel Owusu also scored twice in Omaha’s largest-ever Open Cup win.

Omaha pulled off its fourth upset of a higher-division foe with a 2-1 win over Indy Eleven in the Second Round. The score remained 0-0 for 75 minutes until Omaha struck twice in eight minutes. The first goal came from Samuel Owusu in the 75th minute, then the second from Kempes Tekiela in the 83rd. Indy pulled a goal back in stoppage time, but it was too little too late.

Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Major League Soccer | Commerce City, CO
22nd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1995
Manager: Matt Wells
Overall: 15-20-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 6-17-0
vs. Div. 3: 4-2-0
Best finish: Final (1999)

The Rapids are the most snakebit MLS team in terms of Open Cup success. At 15-20-1, they are the only MLS club with more than 20 Open Cup games played to hold an overall record below .500. The Rapids hold the Modern Era record for most consecutive tournaments being eliminated after two or fewer games at 17 (2000-2022). While the Rapids have reached an Open Cup Final in 1999, they are the lone MLS team to lose the Final to a lower division club, the A- League Rochester Raging Rhinos.

In MLS play, the Rapids have won one MLS Cup Championship in 2010 and were playoff regulars in their early years. Recent seasons have been a struggle, missing the playoffs three of the last four seasons.

Union Omaha
USL League One | Omaha, NE
5th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2019
Manager: Vincenzo Candela
Overall: 11-4-2 (2-0)
Away: 6-3-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-4-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2022)

Omaha took a step back from their double championship in 2024, finishing 13-10-7 and being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by newcomers FC Naples. They also finished with 51 goals, second-best in USL League One.

Omaha’s best Open Cup performance came in their debut 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.

Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
vs.
Minnesota United FC (MLS)
Heart Health Park – Sacramento, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+/CBS Sports Network

Minnesota United kicks off their quest to best their 2025 Semifinal finish when they head west to face Sacramento Republic of the USL Championship.

The winner will face either the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) or Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C) in the Round of 16.

Minnesota has a four-tournament streak of playing at least three games, while Sacramento saw their similar six-tournament streak end with a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes.

Since the Open Cup returned from its COVID-19 hiatus, Sacramento has played 14 of its 17 Open Cup games at Heart Health Park and holds a 23-3-1 (1-0 PK) record there.

As an MLS club, Minnesota United had not lost to a Division 2 team over four games. Their only loss came when they were part of the single-season USSF Division 2 league and known as the NSC Minnesota Stars, losing 1-0 to AC St. Louis.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Sacramento needed extra time to oust Cupset darlings El Farolito 2-0, but it was what happened near the end of the game that made headlines. Forster Ajago’s two extra-time goals gave the Republic the win, but moments after the second goal in stoppage time, tempers boiled over, and altercations between players erupted. After the referee officially ended the match, a few El Farolito players climbed into the stands to argue with fans before finally making their way to the locker room.

Sacramento’s Second Round game was a bit easier, defeating Valley 559 FC of the UPSL 4-0. Kyle Edwards led the way with a pair of goals in the 38th and 64th minutes, and assisted on Dominik Wanner’s 36th-minute score. Lee Desmond opened the scoring in the 11th minute, assisted by Wanner.

Minnesota United FC
Major League Soccer | Saint Paul, MN
14th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2010
Manager: Cameron Knowles
Overall: 15-11-3 (2-1 PK) | 10-6-2 (2-0 PK) (MLS)
Away: 8-6-2 (1-1 PK) | 4-4-1 (1-0 PK) (MLS)
vs. Div 2: 3-1-1 (1-0 PK) | 3-0-1 (1-0 PK) (MLS)
Best finish: Final (2019)

Minnesota got its start in 2010 as the NSC Minnesota Stars. After a year in the USSF Division 2 league, Minnesota joined the now-defunct NASL, winning the championship in 2011. In 2015, it was announced that the franchise would join Major League Soccer starting with the 2017 season.

Since Minnesota joined MLS in 2017, they’ve had respectable results, reaching the Final in 2019 and going three games deep in 2022 and 2023. In MLS, the Loons have yet to win a championship but have reached the playoffs five of the last six seasons.

The Twin Cities were represented by the Minnesota Thunder earlier in the Modern Era, reaching the Semifinals in 2005. Thunder legend Johnny Menyongar is tied for second with three other players with 13 career Open Cup goals in the Modern Era.

According to TheCup.us records, the first known team from Minnesota to enter the Open Cup was the Minneapolis Tigers in 1958. Throughout the 1960s, teams like the St. Paul Blackhawks and Ukrainian SC would represent the region in Open Cup play but found little success.

Sacramento Republic FC
USL Championship | Sacramento, CA
11th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2012
Manager: Neill Collins
Overall: 25-9-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 23-3-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 5-8-2 (1-1 PK)

Best finish: Final (2022)

Sacramento has been the most consistent USL Championship club in recent years, having advanced to a third game in all but one of their eight previous appearances. They are also the last non-MLS club to reach the Final, having done so in 2022. The 2022 Final run earned club legend Rodrigo Lopez TheCup.us Player of the Tournament honors.

Sacramento has also been very successful in the USL Championship, making the playoffs in all but one of their 11 seasons, and winning the title in 2014 (when it was known as USL Pro)

The Republic returned to the top half of the USL Championship standings in 2025, finishing second behind FC Tulsa with a 13-8-9 record. They also had one of the stingiest defenses in USL-C, allowing only 27 goals over 30 games, second-lowest behind Louisville City’s 19. Sacramento was upset in the opening round of the playoffs by Orange County SC, being ousted on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Sacramento also reached the Final of the USL Cup, where they lost to Hartford Athletic 1-0.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15

FC Naples (USL-1)
vs.
Orlando City SC (MLS)
Paradise Coast Sports Complex – Naples, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+/CBS Sports Network

Orlando City SC heads to Naples, Fla., to face a tier 3 team for just the second time since joining MLS as they face FC Naples of USL League One.

The winner will face either the New England Revolution (MLS) or Rhode Island FC (USL-C) in the Round of 16.

Orlando’s lone encounter with a Division 3 team while under the MLS banner came in the 2015 Fourth Round when they eliminated the Charleston Battery via penalty kicks after a 4-4 extra time draw. Four goals were scored in the extra session, and Orlando’s Carlos Rivas had a historic penalty kick hat-trick. GAME VIDEO

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

FC Naples had little trouble with Open Division qualifiers Red Force FC, winning 3-0. Marc Torrellas (23’) and Hudson Gay (30’) scored first-half goals, and Taylor Gray added the third in second-half stoppage time. Kevin O’Connor assisted on two goals as Naples outshot their USASA Premier Futbol League foes 16-1. HIGHLIGHTS

In the Second Round, Naples once again posted a 3-0 win, this time over the UPSL’s FC America CFL Spurs. Andres Ferrin opened the scoring early on a 3rd minute penalty kick, and Julian Cisneros (60’) and Dominick Bachstein (90’+3) followed with second-half goals. HIGHLIGHTS

Orlando City SC
Major League Soccer | Orlando, FL
15th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2010
Manager: Martín Perelman (interim)
Overall: 22-13-5 (5-0 PK) | 10-7-5 (5-0 PK) (MLS)
Away: 7-8-2 (2-0) | 4-3-2 (2-0) (MLS)
vs. Div. 3: 1-0-1 (1-0) | 0-0-1 (1-0 PK) (MLS)
Best finish: Champion (2022)

Orland City started in 2010 as a USL club, winning USL Pro championships in 2011 and 2013, and finished first or second overall in all four years in the league. In 2015, the club joined MLS but has yet to find consistent league success.

Orlando City have tasted Open Cup success since their debut as a USL club in 2009, their best run coming in 2013 when they reached the Quarterfinals and upset the Colorado Rapids and Sporting Kansas City along the way. The highlight was the Sporting KC upset when Orlando was forced to play without four key players (including star forward Dom Dwyer), who were loaned to them by KC. Even without those players, they still pulled off the cupset on the road.. Open Cup glory continued in their MLS years, reaching the Semifinals in 2019, then finally winning it all in 2022.

FC Naples
USL League One | Naples, FL
2nd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2024
Manager: Matt Poland
Overall: 3-0-1 (0-1 (PK)
Home: 2-0-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (20252)

Having made their debut in 2025, FC Naples has a very limited Open Cup history. They made their way to the Third Round, defeating a pair of USL League Two sides, Sarasota Paradise (2-1), and Little Rock Rangers (3-1). Naples then pushed USL Championship club Tampa Bay Rowdies to the limit, losing in a 10-round penalty tiebreaker after 120 minutes of 1-1 soccer.

FC Naples made a mark in their debut USL League One season, posting a 13-9-8 record and finishing 4th in the 14-team league. Naples were one of two debut teams out of five to make the 2025 USL League One playoffs, the other being Portland Hearts of Pine. Naples would reach the USL League One semifinals before falling 1-0 to eventual champions One Knoxville SC.

FC Naples, along with Naples United in 2025, were the first clubs representing Naples, Fla., in the Open Cup since the PDL’s Southwest Florida Adrenaline in 2015.

The first team in the Modern Era to represent the area was the Fort Myers/Naples Manatees of the USISL Premier League (now USL League Two) in 1996.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We are missing some historical information about that Manatees club. If any of our readers know anyone associated with that club, please contact us HERE.

Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
vs.
Columbus Crew SC (MLS)
City Stadium – Richmond, VA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

A rematch ten years in the making will kick off when the Columbus Crew visits the Richmond Kickers in the Third Round.

The winner will face either D.C. United (MLS) or One Knoxville SC (USL-1) in the Round of 16.

The Richmond Kickers and Columbus Crew met in the 2011 US Open Cup with the Kickers upsetting the Crew 2-1 at Crew Stadium. Photo: Columbus Crew

Richmond and Columbus have met three times in the Open Cup over the years, but not since 2015. Their first meeting came in the 2002 Third Round, as Columbus’ 3-0 win was the first step in winning the Open Cup that year. Brian McBride opened the scoring with a 34th-minute penalty, and Dante Washington added a pair of Kyle Martino-assisted goals in the 69th and 73rd minutes.

The next meeting came in the 2011 Third Round, and Richmond travelled to Columbus and got revenge. Nozomi Hiroyama opened the scoring for Richmond in the 20th minute, but the Crew answered through Cole Grossman seventeen minutes later. With five minutes remaining, Matthew Delicate headed in the winner from an Edson Elcock assist.

Finally, in the 2015 Third Round, Adam Bedell scored a pair of goals, and Ethan Finlay added another as Columbus came away with the 3-1 victors. Fred Owusu Sekyere scored for Richmond in the opening half.

Ironically, the Crew’s last Open Cup game against a Division 3 team was the 2015 game with Richmond. Columbus has lost two Cup games to Div. 3 clubs, the last coming in the 2012 Third Round when they were upset by the Dayton Dutch Lions of USL Pro 2-1. Richmond has lost nine straight Open Cup games to MLS clubs, with their last win coming in the 2011 Quarterfinals, 2-0 over Sporting Kansas City. That was the only time Richmond defeated two MLS clubs in the same tournament.

This game will mark the 38th Open Cup contest played at Richmond’s City Stadium, which recently broke the Modern Era record of 36 held by MUSC Health/Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C., which has since closed. With their win in the last round, the Kickers now have 38 wins which has surpassed D.C. United and Sporting Kansas City with 37 Open Cup wins in the Modern Era (1995-present), 7th best overall.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Richmond made sure they weren’t eliminated two years in a row by an amateur club by handling Northern Virginia FC 2-0. It wasn’t all easy, as Richmond only outshot NoVa 18-11. Josh Kirkland scored in the 31st minute on a breakaway goal, then Lucca Dourado finally gave Richmond some breathing room with the second goal in the 89th minute. HIGHLIGHTS

Richmond left it late in their Second Round upset of Loudoun United of the USL Championship, as Lucca Dourado’s goal in the 7th minute of second-half stoppage time gave the Kickers a 1-0 win. HIGHLIGHTS

Richmond Kickers
USL League One | Richmond, VA
26th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1993
Manager: Darren Sawatzky
Overall: 37-22-5 (2-3 PK)
Home: 30-9-2 (0-2 PK)
vs. MLS: 5-15-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Champions (1995)

Richmond, which was founded in 1993, will make its 22nd straight US Open Cup appearance. Aside from their Open Cup championship win in 1995, Richmond has one Semifinal appearance (2011) and three trips to the Quarterfinals (2001, 2004, 2007) on their Open Cup resume. Since that Semifinal run in 2011, the Kickers have advanced to a third game just four times and have faced MLS opposition seven times without success.

Columbus Crew SC (MLS)
Major League Soccer | Columbus, OH
22nd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1996
Manager: Henrik Rydström
Overall: 25-18-3 (0-3)
Away: 8-11-1 (0-1)
vs. Div. 3: 6-2-0
Best finish: Champions (2002)

Outside of the Crew’s three Open Cup finals appearances (1998, 2002 and 2010) and lifting the trophy in 2002, Columbus’ Open Cup history is not that great. They hold the third-longest streak in the Modern Era in exiting the tournament after two or fewer games. The Crew return to the Open Cup after a two-year absence, and their last appearance in 2023 broke a string of 10 tournaments where they exited after one of two games.

D.C. United (MLS)
vs.
One Knoxville SC (USL-1)
Audi Field – Washington, D.C.
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

Looking to break a Finals drought going on 12 years, D.C. United welcomes One Knoxville of USL League One to Audi Field for a Third Round matchup.

The winner will face either the Richmond Kickers (USL-1) or Columbus Crew (MLS) in the Round of 16.

After reaching the Open Cup Final five times from 1998-2013, D.C. United have not even reached the Semifinals since then, exiting the tournament after two or fewer games from 2014 to 2023.

D.C. United have just two losses out of 14 games against Division 3 opponents in the Open Cup. The last time it happened was way back in the 2014 Fourth Round when they fell to the Rochester Rhinos 1-0.

After never facing a club from Tennessee in their 25-year Open Cup history, this will be D.C’s second consecutive game against a team from the Volunteer State, after their Quarterfinal game versus Nashville FC last year. This is Knoxville’s first-ever Open Cup game against an MLS team.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

One Knoxville SC traveled to Garfield, N.J., to face Vistula Garfield of the USASA’s American Premier Soccer League and won 3-1. After allowing an opening-minute goal, Knoxville took over, scoring twice in the first half through Babacar Diene (14’) and Trinidad & Tobago international Real Gill (21’), and again in the second on a goal from Mikkel Gøling (76’). HIGHLIGHTS

In another Open Cup edition of the Smoky Mountain Series, One Knoxville survived the upset bid by Asheville City, advancing via penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw. Braudilio Rodrigues scored first for Knoxville in the 33rd minute, but the USL League Two side equalized in the 67th minute. After a scoreless extra time, Jonathan Burke saved three of Asheville’s five penalties to help Knoxville win the shootout 3-2. HIGHLIGHTS

D.C. United
Major League Soccer | Washington, D.C.
25th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1996
Manager: Troy Lesesne
Overall: 36-7-8 (4-4 PK)
Home: 26-6-5 (2-3 PK)
vs. Division 3: 11-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Champion (1996, 2008, 2013)

With three Open Cup titles (1996, 2008, 2013), two additional Finals appearances (1997, 2009), and three Semifinal appearances (2001, 2003, 2006, 2010), D.C. United has one of the better Open Cup resumes. However, since the club’s 2013 US Open Cup title, success has been limited, as United have failed to advance past a second game in eight attempts.

Washington D.C.’s first known club to participate in the Open Cup was Heurich Brewers, who took part in the Maryland qualifying tournament for the 1937 Open Cup. It wouldn’t be until the late 1960s that teams from the District would become regulars in the tournament. Club Espana claimed the city’s lone pre-Modern Era title in 1987 via penalty kicks over Seattle’s Mitre Eagles, the first Open Cup title decided by penalties.

One Knoxville SC
USL League One | Knoxville, TN
4th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2021
Manager: Ian Fuller
Overall: 5-3-0
Away: 4-2-0
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2025)

One Knoxville began as an amateur team in USL League Two with the intent to eventually move to USL League One. After registering an 11-1-2 record and reaching the League Two Quarterfinals in the 2022 season, One Knoxville made the move to League One for the 2023 campaign but missed the playoffs. 2024 saw an improvement to a 9-5-8 record and a playoff berth, allowing a league-low 16 goals but also scoring a league-low 23.

In their third season in USL League One, One Knoxville did the double, taking the USL League One Players’ Shield with a regular season-best 16-5-9 but also winning the USL League One championship with a 2-0 win over Spokane Velocity.

Head Coach Ian Fuller nearly made history in 2008 when he led the Charleston Battery (USL) to the US Open Cup Final. He scored an early equalizer against D.C. United in the Final, but the MLS side would eventually lift the trophy with a 2-1 win.

New York Red Bulls (MLS)
vs.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
Sports Illustrated Stadium – Harrison, NJ
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds travel to Harrison, N.J., looking to repeat what they did last year: Post a win over a New York MLS side; this time the New York Red Bulls.

The winner will face either Westchester SC (USL-1) or New York City FC (MLS) in the Round of 16.

Last year, the Riverhounds were the only non-MLS team to reach the Round of 16, upsetting New York City FC 1-0 at home on Beto Ydrach’s stoppage-time goal.

The problem is, Pittsburgh has only won one road Open Cup game against an MLS opponent, a 1-0 win in the 2023 Fourth Round over the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. On top of that, the Red Bulls’ only home loss to a Division 2 team was way back in 1999, when they lost 3-2 in golden goal extra time to the A-League’s Staten Island Vipers. New York has a five-game winning streak against Division 2 teams; their last loss was to the New York Cosmos (then with the NASL), a 3-0 defeat in the 2014 Fourth Round.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Pushed back a week due to inclement weather, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the clear favorites entering the game, could be accused of “playing with their food” too much in the 2-1 win over Steel City FC. Up 2-0 on goals from Danny Griffin (6’) and Charles Ahl (66’), Steel City stayed in the game and pulled a goal back via penalty in the 76th minute. The Riverhounds held on to win despite being outshot 12-5 by their amateur opponents.

The Riverhounds squashed the upset hopes of the UPSL’s Virginia Dream with a 2-0 Second Round win. After a scoreless opening half, Daniel Griffin (51’) and Eliot Goldthrop (59’ PK) put Pittsburgh up 2-0 as Pittsburgh advanced to the Third Round.

New York Red Bulls
Major League Soccer | Harrison, NJ
25th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1996
Manager: Michael Bradley
Overall: 28-22-5 (3-2 PK)
Home: 13-6-4 (2-2 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 9-5-0
Best finish: Final (2003, 2017)

As the MetroStars, the club reached the Semifinals three times (1997, 1998, 2000) and made one appearance in the Final (2003). After rebranding as the New York Red Bulls, another deep run did not come until a return to the Final in 2017. Then, in 2022, the Red Bulls made another Semifinal run.

In MLS play, the Red Bulls have yet to win a championship, reaching the MLS Cup Final twice (2008, 2024) and winning the Supporters Shield three times (2013, 2015, 2018). The 1923 Final between Scullin Steel and Paterson FC was played at Harrison Field, where a parking garage now stands near Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
USL Championship | Pittsburgh, PA
22nd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1999
Manager: Rob Vincent
Overall: 21-19-3 (1-2 PK)
Away: 5-14-2 (0-2 PK)
vs. MLS: 4-8-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2001, 2023)

Founded in 1998, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds are the second-oldest club in the USL Championship, behind only the Charleston Battery (1993). Initial success eluded the Riverhounds, only occasionally reaching the playoffs. With the building of Highmark Stadium in 2013, the club’s fortunes have turned around, making the playoffs nine of the last 12 seasons, including the last seven.

Pittsburgh’s Open Cup history has been short on success, having been knocked out of the tournament nine times in their opening game (most recently in 2024) and another five times after their second game. However, in 2023, the team matched their Quarterfinal run of 2001, knocking off MLS clubs New England Revolution and Columbus Crew. The five-game run shattered the teams’ previous high of three games in 2001, 2008, and 2015, and took them to their second Quarterfinal appearance in team history.

Teams from the Western Pennsylvania area have won four Open Cup titles, the last coming in 1956, with the Harmarville Hurricanes winning their second title. In the 1940s and 1950s, teams from the area regularly found themselves reaching the Semifinals. From 1942 to 1956, Western Pennsylvania teams reached the Final eight times.

Chattanooga FC (MLSNP)
vs.
Atlanta United FC (MLS)
Finley Stadium – Chattanooga, TN
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

Chattanooga FC, the lone MLS NEXT Pro club, faces an MLS team for just the second time in the Open Cup when Atlanta United comes to Finley Stadium in the Third Round.

The winner will face either Charlotte FC (MLS) or Charlotte Independence (USL-1) in the Round of 16.

Chattanooga’s first MLS opponent in the Open Cup was none other than Atlanta United, and the “The Five Stripes” had an easy time in their 2022 Third Round encounter, winning 6-0. Dom Dwyer led the way with two goals and an assist.

Chattanooga didn’t have much luck with United’s predecessor, the Atlanta Silverbacks of the NASL. Chattanooga first suffered a 5-0 loss in the 2014 Third Round, then were eliminated 2-1 after extra time in the 2015 Third Round. It is important to note that Chattanooga was still an amateur team playing in the NPSL for both games.

Atlanta has only played Division 3 opposition twice in the Open Cup, winning both games. The first was the previously mentioned 2022 win over Chattanooga, and the other was a 3-0 win over Charlotte Independence in the 2024 Fourth Round.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

In Round 1, Chattanooga recovered from an early 1-0 deficit to overcome amateur side Kalonji Pro-Profile of the UPSL 2-1. In the 13th minute, Kalonji’s 14-year-old Braiden Kalonji made history when he scored off a saved penalty kick, becoming the youngest player to score a goal in the Modern Era (according to TheCup.us records). Chattanooga then took over when Darwin Ortiz (45’+1) and Ameziane Sid Mohand (46’) scored on either side of halftime. HIGHLIGHTS

In the Second Round, Chattanooga needed just one goal to defeat the 2025 Spring UPSL champion Tennessee Tempo, 1-0. Nathan Koehler scored in the 44th minute when he headed in a corner kick from Daniel Mangarov. HIGHLIGHTS

Chattanooga have played eleven of their 18 Open Cup games at home in Finley Stadium, where they are 4-4-3, with the three draws resulting in 2 penalty tiebreaker wins and one loss. Chattanooga has a 3-2-3 (2-1 PKs) record against amateur opponents, with the three wins coming after they turn professional.

Chattanooga FC
MLS NEXT Pro | Chattanooga, TN
10th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid as an independent MLS NEXT Pro club
Founded: 2009
Manager: Richard Dixon
Overall: 6-7-6 (3-3 PK)
Home: 5-4-3 (2-1 PK)
MLS: 0-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2014, 2015, 2016, 2022, 2023)

Chattanooga FC started as an NPSL club in 2009, reaching the NPSL championship game four times. The club transitioned to a professional team when they joined NISA in 2019, where they became one of that league’s more successful teams despite not winning a league championship. In 2024, the club moved to MLS NEXT Pro, where they barely missed the playoffs. In the 2024 US Open Cup, Chattanooga FC were upset at home by amateur club Miami United FC 1-0.

Chattanooga FC are by far the most experienced MLS NEXT Pro team as far as the Open Cup is concerned, having made nine previous appearances. Chattanooga’s deepest run came in 2015, when they advanced past the Ocala Stampede and Wilmington Hammerheads on penalties, only to lose in extra time to the NASL’s Atlanta Silverbacks 2-1.

Atlanta United FC (MLS)
Major League Soccer | Atlanta, GA
7th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2017
Manager: Gerardo “Tata” Martino
Overall: 9-5-1 (1-0)
Away: 2-2-1 (1-0)
vs. Div. 3: 2-0-0
Best finish: Champions (2019)

Outside of their 2019 title win, Atlanta United’s Open Cup history has been rather ordinary, as they’ve been eliminated after two games in three of their five previous appearances. The last time Atlanta reached the Quarterfinals was during their 2019 championship run. After they needed extra time to beat the Charleston Battery in front of an empty stadium, they beat the Columbus Crew on the road before they defeated Saint Louis FC of the USL Championship 2-0. After shutting out Orlando City on the road, they edged Minnesota United 2-1 in the championship game in front of 35,709 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the largest crowd to ever witness a US Open Cup Final. It was the first time that a Final was held indoors and the first time that a Georgia team had ever lifted the trophy.

The city of Atlanta’s involvement in the Open Cup goes back to 1979. With enough clubs from the South showing interest, the field was split into four regions, Region I (East), Region II (Midwest), Region III (South) & Region IV (West), with the winner of each region getting a spot in the National Semifinals. Atlanta was represented early on in the final four by the Atlanta Wolves (1980) and Datagraphic (1981), but teams from the city were never able to reach the Final. The Atlanta Silverbacks were the first pro team to represent Atlanta, but could only make it to the Quarterfinals in 2014. Finally, in 2019, Atlanta United not only reached the Final but also won the city’s first Open Cup championship.

Charlotte FC (MLS)
vs.
Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
Mecklenburg County Sportsplex – Matthews, NC
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

After winning the Battle of the Carolinas in the Second Round, Charlotte Independence now aims for supremacy in North Carolina when they travel to face Charlotte FC in the Third Round.

The winner will face either Chattanooga FC (MLS NP) or Atlanta United FC (MLS) in the Round of 16.

Charlotte FC are undefeated at home (2-0-0) and against Division 3 opponents in the Open Cup. All three games were against USL League One clubs with a combined score of 11-3: 2-1 (AET) at Greenville Triumph SC and 5-1 at Richmond Kickers in 2022, and 4-1 over South Georgia Tormenta in 2023.

The Independence has played MLS teams in the Open Cup just three times, with their only win coming in the 2015 Fourth Round over the New England Revolution 1-0.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Charlotte’s First Round game versus Ristozi FC of the NPSL went a bit smoother. Clay Dimick opened the scoring for Charlotte in the 4th minute, but the amateur side from Baltimore equalized heading into halftime. The Independence pulled away in the second half on goals from Enzo Martínez (69’), Fabrice Ngah (87’), and Christopher Jaime (89’) for a 4-1 win.

In the Second Round, the Independence squandered a 2-0 lead with 20 minutes remaining but recovered to defeat the Charleston Battery 3-2 after extra time. Souaibou Marou (37’) and Luis Alvarez (58’) put Charlotte up 2-0, but Charleston scored in the 70th and 77th minutes to tie the game at 2-2 and force extra time. As a penalty tiebreaker loomed, Viggo Ortiz scored the game-winner for Charlotte in the 118th minute.

Charlotte FC
Major League Soccer | Charlotte, NC
4th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2022
Manager: Dean Smith
Overall: 5-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 2-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 3-0-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2022, 2023)

Charlotte FC has only played in three tournaments, the first two times they won two games and lost on the road in the Fifth Round, 2025 was the first year they were eliminated after just two games.

Before the Modern Era, the city of Charlotte has had a limited Open Cup history. It’s limited to hosting the USASA Region III Finals in 1991. The Charlotte Eagles have had the best result in the Modern Era, reaching the Quarterfinals in 2012 as a member of USL Pro (Div. 3). The Charlotte Independence have had a couple of tournaments where they advanced three times in a single tournament (2015, 2024).

Charlotte Independence
USL League One | Charlotte, NC
9th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2014
Manager: Mike Jeffries
Overall: 11-8-3 (2-1 PK)
Away: 6-5-0
Home: 1-2-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2015)

Charlotte has the second-longest Open Cup history of all the USL League One teams, with eight previous 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 reached the USL League One playoffs for the sixth straight season in 2025, finishing 10-7-13. Their 2025 Open Cup run lasted three games, defeating the Long Island Rough Riders (3-2) and Carolina Core (2-1), both in extra time affairs, before losing 3-1 to North Carolina FC in the Third Round.

St. Louis CITY SC (MLS)
vs.
FC Tulsa (USL-C)
Energizer Park – St. Louis, MO
Kickoff: 8 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

St. Louis CITY will try to live up to the history its city has created in the Open Cup when it hosts FC Tulsa in the Third Round.

The winner will face either Detroit City FC (USLC) or Chicago Fire FC (MLS) in the Round of 16.

With only four Open Cup games under their belt, St. Louis CITY is still somewhat of an unknown entity in the competition.

While St. Louis CITY’s Open Cup history is limited to their two games in 2023, the city they represent is rich in Open Cup history. However, St. Louis CITY entered The Crescent City is home to ten different clubs that have won the US Open Cup, appearing in the Final 21 times.

The last St. Louis club to reach the Final was Busch SC in 1988. St. Louis was first represented in the Cup in 1920, with Ben Miller SC defeating Fore River FC 2-1 for the city’s first championship. St. Louis clubs would reach the final from 1920 to 1924. Stix, Baer & Fuller (aka Central Breweries and Shamrocks SC) reached the Final six straight times from 1932-1937, a feat unmatched in Open Cup history.

Not only is Tulsa 0-3 against MLS teams in the Open Cup, but they’re also 3-7-0 on the road. The good news is that Tulsa has won the last two road games, both of them coming last year.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

FC Tulsa had a bit of a fight with the Little Rock Rangers of USL League Two, but managed to hold on for a 4-2 win. Rémi Cabral (19’) and Jamie Webber (32’) gave Tulsa a 2-0 advantage at the break, only to see Little Rock make it 2-1 early in the second half. Lamar Batista restored the two-goal lead in the 70th minute, then Nelson Pierre tallied less than a minute after Rangers got their second goal.

In what could be called Battle of the Alamo II, Tulsa outlasted San Antonio FC 1-0 in extra time in the Second Round. The match saw 60 fouls called and 14 cards handed out, including a red for San Antonio in extra time. It was the second-most combined fouls of any Modern Era game, according to TheCup.us records. In the end, it was Rémi Cabral who put Tulsa in front for good with a goal in the 106th minute.

St. Louis CITY FC
Major League Soccer | St. Louis, MO
3rd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2023
Manager: Yoann Damet
Overall: 2-2-0
Home: 2-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2025)

In the Modern Era, St. Louis’ Open Cup record has been a bit more modest. The St. Louis Lions of the PDL (now USL League Two) appeared in 2008 and 2009, failing to win a game. AC St. Louis was the first pro team in the Modern Era, making just one run in 2010, reaching the Third Round. The most successful club was Saint Louis FC of the USL, making five appearances from 2015-2019, making a run to the Quarterfinals in 2019, where they upset both the Chicago Fire (2-1) and FC Cincinnati (1-0) before losing to eventual champion Atlanta United FC 2-0.

FC Tulsa
USL Championship | Tulsa, OK
10th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2013
Manager: Luke Spencer
Overall: 9-8-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 5-7-0
vs. MLS: 0-3-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2024)

FC Tulsa started out as the Tulsa Roughnecks in 2014, paying homage to the NASL team that played from 1978 to 1984. After the team changed ownership in late 2019, the team was re-named FC Tulsa for the 2020 season. Tulsa has struggled in the bottom half of the standings for its nine seasons, only reaching the playoffs three times.

After missing the playoffs in 2024, FC Tulsa rebounded in a big way, finishing first in the Western Conference with a 16-5-9 record and reaching the USL Championship Final, where they lost to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

While the original NASL avoided the Open Cup during its existence, in 1983, the Tulsa Roughnecks showed interest in entering. While it was too late to join the 1983 tournament, plans were made for 1984. Unfortunately, the league folded before that could happen, and Tulsa’s Open Cup plans had to be scrapped.

Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
vs.
El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C)
Shell Energy Stadium – Houston, TX
Kickoff: 8 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

Houston continues to “defend” their 2023 US Open Cup championship and stop the string of bad results when they host El Paso Locomotive in the Third Round.

The winner will face either Louisville City FC (USLC) or Austin FC (MLS) in the Round of 16.

Houston are the last Open Cup Champions to enter the Open Cup, as the last two winners (Los Angeles FC in 2024 and Nashville FC in 2025) have not returned to defend their titles due to CONCACAF Champions Cup commitments. Since winning the Open Cup in 2023, Houston has not had much success in the tournament, being bounced by Detroit City after one game in 2024, and only lasting two games last year.

Houston have been eliminated by a Division 2 opponent just four times in its history. The last time came as the Dynamo were beginning defense of their 2023 Open Cup championship, eliminated via penalties by Detroit City FC after a 3-3 draw. They let a two-goal lead slip away before falling in the tiebreaker. The last outright loss was in the 2012 Third Round when they were upset by San Antonio FC 1-0.

After four years of one-and-done performances in the Open Cup, El Paso finally broke through and made a run to the Fourth Round. After beating amateurs Harpos FC 5-1 for their first-ever Open Cup win, El Paso knocked off Ventura County FC (MLSNP) 3-0. In the Third Round, El Paso eliminated USL Championship rivals New Mexico United on penalties after a 2-2 draw. The run came to an end after Austin FC (MLS) scored three unanswered goals to overcome a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2.

El Paso found themselves with a challenge in the USL League Two’s Laredo Heat. They came away with a 2-0 win with each team taking 15 shots, El Paso took a 1-0 lead on Diego Abitia’s 51st-minute goal and could finally breathe easy when Rubio Rubín put El Paso up by two in the 89th minute. HIGHLIGHTS

For the second year in a row, El Paso topped their Derby Del Camino Real rivals New Mexico United in the Open Cup, this time by a resounding 4-0 scoreline. Up 1-0 at the half on Alvaro Quezada’s 37th-minute goal, the Locomotive extended their lead with three second-half goals from Alex Mendez (63’), Rubio Rubin (69’), and Eric Calvillo (86’).

Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
Major League Soccer | Houston, TX
18th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2006
Manager: Ben Olsen
Overall: 26-13-3 (1-2 PK)
Home: 19-5-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 9-2-2 (0-2 PK)
Best finish: Champions (2018, 2023)

The Houston Dynamo are like the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. In 1996, the Ravens relocated to Baltimore from Cleveland and promptly won a Super Bowl. Houston left San Jose after the 2005 season, then won back-to-back MLS Cups in 2006 and 2007. The club has been looking for its third championship since then.

The Dynamo have had success in the Open Cup as well, winning championships in 2018 and 2023. Their 2024 title defense was stopped cold by Detroit City FC on penalties after a 3-3 draw. It was just the fourth time in the Modern Era that a defending champ was eliminated in their opening game the following tournament.

The city of Houston made a mark on the Open Cup before any of its clubs did. The 1983 Open Cup Semifinals and Final were hosted at Houston’s Delmar Stadium, and won by New York Pancyprian Freedoms in a 4-3 goal fest over St. Louis’ Kutis SC.

El Paso Locomotive FC
USL Championship | El Paso, TX
6th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2018
Manager: Junior Gonzalez
Overall: 4-4-2 (1-1)
Away: 3-3-2 (1-1)
vs. MLS: 0-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2025)

El Paso Locomotive began in 2019, filling the void left by the El Paso Patriots (1995 US Open Cup runners-up) when they ceased operations in 2013. Locomotive found success at first, reaching the Western Conference final two years in a row. El Paso gained one of the top two playoff seeds in 2021, only to be upset by the Oakland Roots in the First Round. In 2022, they missed the playoffs and just made the cut in 2023 with a 7th-place conference finish. 2024 was a season to forget for El Paso, finishing in last place with an 8-18-8 record. El Paso did well in the 2025 USL Championship season, going 10-9-11 and finishing 4th in the Western Conference, though they exited the playoffs in the opening round.

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
vs.
Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
PayPal Park – San Jose, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+/CBS Sports Golazo Network

The San Jose Earthquakes will renew their quest to finally reach an Open Cup Final when they host the USL Championship’s Phoenix Rising FC.

The winner will face either Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C) or Minnesota United FC (MLS) in the Round of 16.

Outside of a 2017 Semifinal appearance, San Jose’s Open Cup record isn’t very impressive. 12 times they’ve been eliminated after just two games, and four of those were “one and done”. San Jose have the most Open Cup appearances of any MLS team (20) without making an appearance in the Final.

In their 20 previous Open Cup appearances, San Jose has never faced a club from Arizona. Three of San Jose’s last four Open Cup appearances have ended in defeat to a USL Championship team: 2-0 to Sacramento Republic in 2022, 1-0 to Monterey Bay FC in 2023, and 4-3 (AET) again to Sacramento in 2024.

Phoenix is 0-3 against MLS clubs in the Open Cup, and their last two cup runs were stopped by an MLS club (2-1 vs. Seattle in 2024, 4-1 (AET) to Houston in 2025)

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Phoenix had an easy opening game, cruising past San Ramon FC of The League for Clubs 4-0. Phoenix led at halftime 2-0 on goals from Hope Avayevu (15’) and Juan Carvajal (45’+2) before topping things off with late goals from Aleksander Vukovic (90’) and Anthony Capetillo (90’+4).

In the final game of the Second Round, Phoenix needed extra time to vanquish USL Championship rivals Orange County SC 2-1. In a game that saw 43 fouls and a Modern Era record-tying 15 yellow cards, Gunnar Studenhofft put Phoenix ahead 1-0 in the 35th minute, only to see Orange County equalize with four minutes remaining. Aleksander Vukovic restored Phoenix’s advantage five minutes into extra time as they held on to win.

San Jose Earthquakes
Major League Soccer | San Jose, CA
21st US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1996
Manager: Bruce Arena
Overall: 19-15-9 (4-5)
Home: 12-5-3 (1-2 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 11-4-2 (2-0 PK)
Best finish: Semifinals (2004, 2017)

San Jose was once a powerhouse in MLS, winning the MLS Cup in 2001 and 2003 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2002. That all changed after the 2005 season, when the club left the Bay Area for Houston and became the Houston Dynamo. MLS awarded San Jose a new franchise, retaining the records of the original Earthquakes. The only ray of light was winning the Supporters’ Shield in 2013. Since the team was reborn in 2007, the ‘Quakes have reached the MLS Cup playoffs just five times.

The city of San Jose first dipped their toe into the Open Cup pool during the 1970 tournament, when the San Jose Latinos entered. Throughout the 70s teams like the San Jose Portuguese AC, San Jose Grenadiers, and San Jose Lobos would be regular entrants and would make the occasional deep run. The San Jose Oaks won the Open Cup in 1992, 2-1 over Vasco da Game of Bridgeport, Conn.

The Earthquakes are managed by Bruce Arena, who led D.C. United to an Open Cup title in 1996. After falling short on penalty kicks with D.C. in the 1997 Final (to the Dallas Burn), Arena has not led a team to the championship game since 1997. Only two of his teams (2015 and 2016 LA Galaxy) have survived more than two games in a single tournament. Arena, one of American soccer’s all-time great coaches, has a career Open Cup coaching record of 16-10-2 (1-1 PKs). He has 11 US Open Cup Major titles (MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, CONCACAF Champions Cup, US Open Cup) to his credit, which is tied with Sigi Schmid for the most.

Phoenix Rising FC
USL Championship | Phoenix, AZ
11th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2014
Manager: Pa-Modou Kah
Overall: 10-8-3 (1-2 PK)
Away: 5-3-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. MLS:
Best finish: Fifth Round (2024)

Phoenix Rising began in 2014 as Arizona United, and in 2017, new ownership changed the club’s name to Phoenix Rising. In 2017, Côte d’Ivoire legend Didier Drogba signed on with Phoenix as a player-owner, holding a minority stake in the club. Phoenix won the USL Championship in 2023, finished runners-up in 2018, and won the Players’ Shield in 2019. Phoenix has missed the playoffs just once since 2016.

Despite its success in league play, Phoenix has largely struggled in the Open Cup. Only twice have they advanced to a third game (2014, 2022). Last year, after eliminating FC Tulsa on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Third Round, Phoenix fell to 2024 Open Cup champs Houston Dynamo 4-1 after extra time.

2026 National Amateur Cup: 16 teams begin in Region II

April 10, 2026 by Michael Battista

Ricardo Garcia of Goshen City FC shoots against Steel City FC during Round 1 of the 2026 USASA Region II Amateur Cup | Credit: Jayden Schlabach

The 102nd edition of the National Amateur Cup began this week in the Midwest. Comfortable wins were predominant, one match was suspended by the weather and two games were forfeited so far in the first wave of games in the USASA Region II tournament for the 2026 Amateur Cup.

The 2026 edition of the United States Adult Soccer Association top tournament will once again grant an automatic bid into the follow year’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Meaning this is already 2027 Open Cup qualifying.

Region II, which is made up of teams from the Midwest, is just starting, but the eventual champion will be the representative at the National Finals, alongside the other three USASA Regions.

Here’s a look at each of the seven Region II games played so far. Interested in how the Northeast’s First Round played out? Check out our recap here.

Monday, March 23

Camargo FC (MN, MASL)
L:W
Green Bay Glory (WI, MWPL)
N/A

Round 1 kicked off with a forfeit as Minnesota side Camargo FC withdrew, allowing Wisconsin’s Green Bay Glory to advance. No date or venue was ever set for this game, and the above date represents the day TheCup was informed of the decision.

Northland Soccer Journal was able to reach Camargo FC and was given the following statement.

“Unfortunately, the travel required this early in the Amateur Cup created logistical challenges that we weren’t able to overcome within the three-week window between the schedule release and the match deadline. “

Green Bay advances to Round 2 which is scheduled to take place during the month of April. Last year, the Midwest Premier League side was defeated in Round 1 by United Serbian Soccer Club, 4-1, in Round 1.

Tuesday, March 31

Drita Soccer Club (MI, APSL)
5:4
Ypsilanti Athletic FC (MI, MUSL)
Michigan Stars Sports Center – Washington, MI

A nine goal slugfest officially opened up the Region II Amateur Cup as Drita Soccer Club beat Ypsilanti Athletic FC, 5-4, in the cozy confines of Michigan Stars Sports Center. Drita surged to a 3-0 lead 20 minutes in, before a back and forth saw YAFC make it 4-4 with just under twenty minutes to play. In the end, Dennis Cali secured his hat-trick with the game winning goal in the 73rd minute to advance his team.

YAFC looked a little overwhelmed after the rough start. But after Jayden Huxtable scored midway through the first half the team seemed to pick right up. Injury was the biggest detriment however. Midfielder Skyler Sebring was injured near the end of the game after a hard tackle. The team lost a lot of play making ability as he left the field.

Drita still played like a team early in its season, starting fast but allowing Ypsilanti to come back with careless mistakes. It was also a chance for the new APSL side to experience with experience and youth. Team captain Christian Margilaj was a constant threat on the ball for the visitors ball hawk. Elsewhere, University of Detroit Mercy commit Daniel Kadiu made his first team debut and scored in the first half.

Goal scorers

Drita:

Dennis Cali 11′, 12′, 73′
Dom Ivezaj 20′
Daniel S. Kadiu 31′

YAFC:

Jayden Huxtable 22′, 26′
Ibrahima Dioubate 47′, 71′

MATCH BROADCAST (We Are Soccer)

Thursday, April 2

Livonia City FC (MI, APSL)
2:6
Monroe United (MI, APSL)

Two members of the American Premier Soccer League’s Mitten Conference, a new conference featuring Michigan teams, faced off in Round 1. In the end experience won out at Livonia City FC beat Monroe United, 6-2.

It was a different type of game for both teams. Livonia relied on a mix of young players and some older faces are they continue to prepare for their MWPL season. Meanwhile Monroe was playing their first-ever game as a team. The side, which had some high school players making their first team debut, only had one 11 v 11 training session the weekend prior.

Thomas Dono and former Gold Star FC Detroit forward Jacob Kunnath both earned braces for their side as Livonia scored five goals in the first half. Despite the result Monroe’s technical director Eric Perilla still saw positives from the game.

“It’ll take time, but it was a great experience and huge opportunity for the guys, especially the young ones still in high school,” Perilla said. “I’m just glad we finally got this going. Our second half looked much stronger too!”

Goalscorers

LCFC

Caleb DuPree 12′
Jacob Kunnath, 20′, 40′
Thomas Dono 28′, 44′
Patrick Smith 75′

MU:

Jovanny Gallegos-Jimenez
Israel Hernández-Vargas (Jovanny Gallegos-Jimenez)

Saturday, April 4

1927 SC (IN, MWPL)
W:L
Valhalla FC (OH, OVPL)
N/A

Hosts Valhalla FC forfeit their match against 1927 SC in Round 1, allowing the Indiana side representing the Ft. Wayne Sports Club to advance. Valhalla, which has been a regular in the Amateur Cup in recent years, was unable to have paperwork to host the match approved in time before the round window was set to end.

1927 lost in Round 1 last year, 4-2 AET, to Livonia City FC. The team’s best performance was in 2023, under the Ft. Wayne Sports Club name, where they reached the regional semifinals. Valhalla reached the regional quarterfinals in 2025 before losing to Michigan Stars U23, 5-1.

Steel City FC (IL, MWPL)
1:4 AET
Goshen City FC (IN, MWPL)
Everwise School Field – South Bend, IN

In an all Midwest Premier League clash, Goshen City FC beat Steel City FC, 4-1 after extra time, to advance. Home side Goshen took the lead in the first half thanks to Joao Laranjo before the visitors equalized in the second half off a Tim Slusarczyk goal.

Things were even up until the 89th minute, when Steel City’s Tre Adams was shown a second yellow card and given a red. A series of injuries in extra time brought SCFC down to eight men and Goshen pounced. Three unanswered goals lifted the home side into the next round of the tournament.

“The game was lost in the boardroom, not on the field,” Steel City chairman Ivaldo Basso said after the game. “We under-resourced the team by not traveling with a full squad, and we paid the price for that. I take full responsibility.”

Goshen lost in Round 1 of the Amateur Cup in a thrilling penalty kick shootout to Michigan Rangers FC. Its a second-straight Round 1 exit for Steel, who reached the regional semifinals in 2024.

Goal scorers

SCFC:

Tim Slusarczyk 56′

GCFC:

Joao Laranjo 24′
Teague Misner 105+5′
Pedro Diegues 117′
Javier Enciso 120+1′

MATCH BROADCAST (Goshen City FC)

RKC Third Coast SC (WI, MWPL)
1:4
Chicago House AC (IL, MWPL)
Fenwick Priory – River Forest, IL

Another all Midwest Premier League showdown saw Open Cup and Amateur Cup regulars Chicago House AC beat first-timers RKC Third Coast SC, 4-1.

Former pro Elias McCloud scored first for House but RKC fought back. A blocked penalty kick could have equalized but the visitors did that get goal just before halftime off the foot of Cole Rodgers. However the more experienced House side scored three unanswered in the second half to take the win. CHAC’s top goal scorer from last season Kikis Avalos scored the game winner in the 60th minute before Nico Williams got a brace within five minutes late in the half.

This marked RKC’s first-ever appearance in the National Amateur Cup tournament. House reached the regional Quarterfinals last year, where they lost to eventual regional finalist Michigan Rangers FC, 3-0.

Goal scorers

CHAC:

Elias McCloud 25′
Kikis Avalos 60′
Nico Williams 75′, 80′

RKC:

Cole Rodgers 44′

Minnesota Blizzard FC (MN, NPSL)
4:2
Vlora FC (MN, MASL)
Conway Dome – Saint Paul, MN

By Tim Abbott

Originally scheduled for McMurray Fields in St Paul, Minnesota, the game moved to the Conway Dome in the city as temperatures dropped to 37º with wind chill dropping even further. The two teams squared off for a second successive year at this stage, with last year’s going the way of Vlora FC by a score of 5-1. Both sides had decidedly makeshift appearance, with Vlora bringing in U21 players and Blizzard borrowing from their MASL indoor roster.

At half-time it was 0-0 and it was only 1-1 with 20 minutes left. The Minneapolitan Diego Yang proved the key man as he opened the game’s scoring in the 47th minute and after they went behind to a brace from Adonay Hans in the 52nd and 57th minutes, it was Yang who scored his second and third in the 62nd and 70th minutes to put the visitors back ahead. The icing to the first round cake was applied by Bertrand Ngo in the 90th minute.

Goal scorers

Vlora:

Adonay Hans 52′, 57′

MBFC:

Diego Yang 47′, 62′, 70′
Bertrand Ngo 90′

Full Match Recap on Northland Soccer Journal

Tuesday, April 7

United Serbian SC (WI, MPL)
4:3
Bavarian United SC (WI, MWPL)
Heartland Value Funds Stadium, Glendale, WI

A game split over two days closed out Round 1 in Region II, as United Serbian Soccer Club beat Bavarian United SC, 4-3.

Originally scheduled for April 2, the game played out for 30 minutes with both teams getting on the scoresheet. Nemanja Medic struck first for the Serbians while Jack Bowden equalized for Bavarians. Weather closed in and heavy rain made the field unplayable in the 30th minute.

The game resume a few days later on April 7th, with both teams allowed to change their lineups based on availability. Aleksandar Prpa took five minutes and five days to get USSC back in front, while Medic notched his brace after nearly half a week break from his first goal. The game remained fast paced with the ball rarely staying in the middle of the field for long. That allowed Bavarians’ Sam Yarmulnik to notch a late goal to make it 3-2 just before halftime.

The fast pace continued into the second half but the scoring slowed down. It took nearly 20 minutes for Petar Krecak to score what would be the game-winning goal, though the home side tried to push until the end. A late penalty for Bavarians’ Buran Huseini, who missed the first one but was allowed to retake after the referee called the goalkeeper for being off the line on the save before converting the second chance, was not enough.

Its a second straight year of disappointment for Bavarian. After winning the National Amateur Cup in 2022, United lost in the final in back to back years the next two tournaments. In 2025, after being given a bye to the Quarterfinals as defending regional finalists, the side lost to RWB Adria in their first game. This marks a second straight one-and-done performance in the tournament for the six-time amateur cup champions. United Serbian reached Round 2 last year before losing to Vlora FC, 6-2.

Goal scorers

USSC:

Nemanja Medic 15′, 41′
Aleksandar Prpa 35′ (Nemanja Medic)
Petar Krecak 72′

BUSC:

Jack Bowden 25’
Sam Yarmulnik 45’
Buran Huseini 90’ (PK)

USASA Region II, Round 2 Matchups

(Away team listed first, games to be played between April 8 to 19)
Goshen City FC (IN, MWPL) v 1927 SC (IN, MWPL)
Livonia City FC (MI, APSL) v Drita Soccer Club (MI, APSL)
Minnesota Blizzard FC (MN, NPSL) v Chicago House AC (IL, MWPL)
Green Bay Glory (WI, MWPL) v United Serbian Soccer Club (WI, MPL)

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: Joshua Yoder of FC Naples voted TheCup.us Player of Round

April 9, 2026 by Josh Hakala

Graphic: Frank Lanham | Photo: FC Naples

FC Naples will play the club’s first-ever Major League Soccer team in the Third Round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. To get there, the USL League One side relied on their defense to shut out FC America CFL Spurs in Round 2.

At the heart of the defense in that 3-0 win was FC Naples center back Joshua Yoder. The Charlottesville, Va. native played all 90 minutes and was part of a backline that allowed just three shots, with none of them stressing the goalkeeper. Yoder also was part of a couple of scoring chances, both with a pass and with a header of his own.

His solid defense earned him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors for the Third Round.

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The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

Yoder beat out a pair of USL League One performances for the award. Luis Alvarez of the Charlotte Independence finished second with a goal and an assist in his club’s upset of the Charleston Battery (USL Championship). In third, was Westchester SC goalkeeper Matias Molina who made four saves in 120 minutes and made two saves to give his team a PK shootout on the road against the Vermont Green (UL-2).

Joshua Yoder started and played the full 90 in FC Naples 3-0 shutout win over FC America CFL Spurs. Yoder marshalled a backline that earned the clean sheet while allowing just three shots, with none testing the keeper. He also supplied one key pass that forced a save by FC America and also headed a shot that was saved.

“Everyone was working on defense, dropping behind the ball, the offense included,” said Yoder. “We were pressing well, making it hard for them to get into our half and create opportunities. We forced them to play long and then won those first and second balls.”

One of the biggest gifts of the game, especially for the FC Naples defense, came in the 44th minute when FC America’s Pedro Espindola was shown a straight red card.

“It was definitely a little easier to manage the game once they were down a player,” Yoder explained. “But I just tried to stay focused, do what I needed to do, and control what I could control.”

FC Naples defender Joshua Yoder (22) plays a ball in the air against FC America CFL Spurs in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Naples

FC Naples is only five games into the league season, but Yoder has been part of a defense that has been stingy. The club is currently in a three-way tie atop the USL-1 table with a 3-1-1 record. All three of those wins are shutout wins over Fort Wayne, Richmond Kickers and Greenville Triumph. In you factor in the pair of 3-0 Open Cup wins over Red Force in Round 1 and FC America CFL Spurs in Round 2, Naples has five shutout wins in their first seven games in all competitions.

Yoder signed with FC Naples after a successful preseason trial. He finished his college career at NCAA Division I side Longwood University in his home state of Virginia where he was an honorable mention All-Big South Conference selection as a senior. The 6’3 defender played nearly every minute for the Lancers in his final season and his hard work paid off as he earned a contract with FC Naples. Despite being brand new to being a professional soccer player, it has been an easy transition with his new club.

“Even when I first got here as a trialist, everyone was very open,” said Yoder, who has played in four of the club’s first five league games. “Even the older guys would come talk to me. There were no egos. Everyone was welcoming and kind. It was just a good environment to be a part of.”

Just a few months ago, Yoder was playing at Longwood University against conference rivals like High Point, Winthrop and Gardner-Webb. Now, his next opponent in the US Open Cup will be at home against Orlando City SC of MLS.

“Everyone around the club is excited to play an MLS team. But we just take it one game at a time and treat it like any other game. It’s our 11 versus their 11. Anything can happen on the day.”

2026 Amateur Cup Results, Schedule

April 7, 2026 by Michael Battista

The 2025 National Amateur Cup Semifinals and the Final were hosted at the Uihlein Soccer Park in Milwaukee. Photo: Mitchell Meerman

Click on the scores below for match reports All Times Eastern / All future dates subject to change

League Abbreviation Key
American Premier Soccer League (APSL)	Bay State Soccer League (BSSL)	Colorado Premier League (CPL)	Houston Football Association (HFA)	Major League Soccer (MLS)
Midwest Premier League (MWPL)	MLS NEXT Pro (MLSNP)	National Premier Soccer League (NPSL)	Premier Futbol League (PFL)	The League for Clubs (TLFC)
United Premier Soccer League (UPSL)	United Soccer League of Pennsylvania (USLPA)	USL Championship (USL-C)	USL League One (USL-1)	USL League Two (USL-2)

REGION I (NORTHEAST)
ROUND 1	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
March 22	Baltimore City FC (MSSL)	Maryland	L:W (Forfeit)	Eastern Pennsylvania	West Chester United SC (USLPA)	Bryn Athyn College – Bryn Athyn, PA
March 22	Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USLPA)	Eastern Pennsylvania	5:1	Metropolitan DC-Virginia	Syndicate FC (NVSL)	John R. Lewis HS – Springfield, VA
March 28	Lansdowne Yonkers FC (APSL)	Eastern New York	4:0	Massachusetts	South Costal Union (APSL)	Greater New Bedford Vocational HS – New Bedford, MA
March 28	Hoboken FC 1912 (APSL)	New Jersey	0:3	Eastern New York	Leros SC (APSL)	SUSA Complex Field #1 – Central Islip, NY
March 29	Jugadores (GPSL)	Western Pennsylvania	0:5	Maryland	Christos FC (APSL)	Arundel HS – Gambrills, MD
March 29	Club Atlético Los Toros (APL)	Metropolitan DC-Virginia	W:L (Forfeit)	NPSL	Ristozi FC (NPSL)
April 12	Santa Cruz FC (NPSL)	NPSL	L:W (Forfeit)	Massachusetts	Loco Gunners (BSSL)
March 22-26	Beech St. FC (UPSL)	New Hampshire	L:W (Forfeit)	New Jersey	SC Vistula Garfield (APSL)


QUARTERFINALS	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
April 19	West Chester United SC (USLPA)	Eastern Pennsylvania	0:3	Metropolitan DC-Virginia	Club Atlético Los Toros (APL)	Veritas School – Richmond, VA
April 25	Loco Gunners (BSSL)	Massachusetts	0:3	Eastern New York	Lansdowne Yonkers FC (APSL)	Tibbetts Brook Park Field 1 – Yonkers, NY
April 25	Leros SC (APSL)	Eastern New York	4:1	New Jersey	SC Vistula Garfield (APSL)	Garfield HS – Garfield, NJ
April 26	Christos FC (APSL)	Maryland	1:5	Eastern Pennsylvania	Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USLPA)	Vereinigung Erzgebirge Clubhouse – Warminster, PA


SEMIFINALS	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
May 10	Lansdowne Yonkers FC (APSL)	Eastern New York	2:1	Eastern New York	Leros SC (APSL)	Breezy Park Field #2 – Huntington, NY
May 16	Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USLPA)	Eastern Pennsylvania	2:4	Metropolitan DC-Virginia	Club Atlético Los Toros (APL)	South Lakes HS – Reston, VA


REGION I FINAL	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
June 6	Club Atlético Los Toros (APL)	Metropolitan DC-Virginia	0:3	Eastern New York	Lansdowne Yonkers FC (APSL)	Ukrainian American Sports Center – Horsham, PA


REGION II (MIDWEST)
ROUND 1	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
Competition window closes 4/5/26	Camargo FC (MASL)	Minnesota	L:W (Forfeit)	Wisconsin	Green Bay Glory (MWPL)	N/A
March 31	Drita SC (APSL)	Michigan	5:4	Michigan	Ypsilanti Athletic FC (MUSL)	Michigan Stars Sports Center – Washington, MI
April 2	Livonia City FC (APSL)	Michigan	6:2	Michigan	Monroe United (APSL)	Grizz Dome (Oakland University) – Rochester, MI
April 4	1927 SC (MWPL)	Indiana	W:L (Forfeit)	Ohio South	Valhalla FC (OVPL)	N/A
April 4	RKC Third Coast FC (MWPL)	Wisconsin	1:4	Illinois	Chicago House AC (MWPL)	Fenwick Priory HS – Oak Park, IL
April 4	Steel City FC (MWPL)	Illinois	1:4	Indiana	Goshen City FC (MWPL)	Everwise School Field – South Bend, IN
April 4	Minnesota Blizzard FC (NPSL)	NPSL	4:2	Minnesota	Vlora FC (MASL)	McMurray Field – St. Paul, MN
April 7	United Serbian SC (MPL)	Wisconsin	4:3	Wisconsin	Bavarian United SC (MWPL)
Byes: RWB Adria, FC Milwaukee Torrent


ROUND 2	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
April 10	Livonia City FC (APSL)	Michigan	0:9	Michigan	Drita SC (APSL)	Grizz Dome (Oakland University) – Rochester, MI
April 11	Goshen City FC (MWPL)	Indiana	1:0	Indiana	1927 SC (MWPL)	Warrior Athletic Field – Fort Wayne, IN
April 19	Green Bay Glory (MWPL)	Wisconsin	8:1	Wisconsin	United Serbian SC (MPL)	Prichard Park – Racine, WI
May 3	Minnesota Blizzard FC (NPSL)	NPSL	L:W	Illinois	Chicago House AC (MWPL)	Benedictine University Soccer Field – Lisle, IL
Byes: RWB Adria, FC Milwaukee Torrent


QUARTERFINALS	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
May 3	Goshen City FC (MWPL)	Indiana	0:4	Illinois	RWB Adria (MWPL)	Techny Prairie Park and Fields – Northbrook, IL
May 3	Green Bay Glory (MWPL)	Wisconsin	3:2 (AET)	NPSL	FC Milwaukee Torrent (NPSL)	Uihlein Soccer Park – Milwaukee, WI
Byes: Drita Soccer Club, Chicago House AC


SEMIFINALS	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
May 16	RWB Adria (MWPL)	Illinois	3:0	Wisconsin	Green Bay Glory (MWPL)	Capital Credit Union Park – Ashwaubenon, WI
May 17	Chicago House AC (MWPL)	Illinois	3:2	Michigan	Drita SC (APSL)	St. Paul’s Albanian Catholic Church – Rochester Hills, MI


REGION II FINAL	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
June 2	RWB Adria (MWPL)	Illinois	1:1 (2:3 PK)	Illinois	Chicago House AC (MWPL)	Benedictine University Soccer Field – Lisle, IL


REGION III (SOUTH)
Group Stage, Matchday 1	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
May 30	Tar Devils SC (NCSL)	North Carolina	10:0	Tennessee	Strikers (TSSA)	Richard Siegel Soccer Complex (Field 1) - Murfreesboro, TN
May 30	Terminus FC (ADASL)	Georgia	1:1	Arkansas	Arkansas Wolves FC (NN)	Richard Siegel Soccer Complex (Field 2) - Murfreesboro, TN



Group Stage, Matchday 2	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
May 30	Strikers (TSSA)	Tennessee	2:3	Arkansas	Arkansas Wolves FC (NN)	Richard Siegel Soccer Complex (Field 1) - Murfreesboro, TN
May 30	Terminus FC (ADASL)	Georgia	1:5	North Carolina	Tar Devils SC (NCSL)	Richard Siegel Soccer Complex (Field 2) - Murfreesboro, TN



Group Stage, Matchday 3	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
May 31	Strikers (TSSA)	Tennessee	3:0 (Forfeit)	Georgia	Terminus FC (ADASL)	Richard Siegel Soccer Complex (Field 1) - Murfreesboro, TN
May 31	Arkansas Wolves FC (NN)	Arkansas	1:0	North Carolina	Tar Devils SC (NCSL)	Richard Siegel Soccer Complex (Field 2) - Murfreesboro, TN


POINTS SYSTEM	WIN = 3 PTS	TIE = 3 PTS	LOSS = 0 PTS	CLEAN SHEET = 1 PT	GOALS SCORED (Up to 3) = 1 PT EACH



REGION III FINAL	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
May 31	Arkansas Wolves FC (NN)	Arkansas	0:1	North Carolina	Tar Devils SC (NCSL)	Richard Siegel Soccer Complex (Field 1) - Murfreesboro, TN


REGION IV (WEST)
Group Stage, Matchday 1	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
June 26	El Farolito SC (NPSL)	California North	0:0	New Mexico	Sun City FC (NPSL)	Western Sports Park (Field 1) - Farmington, UT
June 26	Vacaville Elite (NPSL)	California North	2:4	Colorado	Peak XI FC (SWPL)	Western Sports Park (Field 2) - Farmington, UT
June 26	Sin City FC (SWPL)	Nevada	6:3	Utah	Vikings SC	Western Sports Park (Field 3) - Farmington, UT
June 26	Temecula FC (SWPL)	California South	5:0	Utah	Kita FC	Western Sports Park (Field 1) - Farmington, UT
June 26	Rebels United (SWPL)	Nevada	0:1	California South	Cal South Saturdays	Western Sports Park (Field 2) - Farmington, UT
June 26	Bowaze FC	Idaho	0:3	Utah	Olympique Montreux	Western Sports Park (Field 3) - Farmington, UT

Group Stage, Matchday 2	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
June 27	Olympique Montreux	Utah	1:4	California North	El Farolito SC (NPSL)	Western Sports Park (Field 1) - Farmington, UT
June 27	Peak XI FC (SWPL)	Colorado	2:2	Idaho	Bowaze FC	Western Sports Park (Field 2) - Farmington, UT
June 27	Sun City FC (NPSL)	New Mexico	L:W (Forfeit)	California North	Vacaville Elite (NPSL)	Western Sports Park (Field 3) - Farmington, UT
June 27	Kita FC	Utah	L:W (Forfeit)	Nevada	Sin City FC (SWPL)	Western Sports Park (Field 4) - Farmington, UT
June 27	Cal South Saturdays	California South	3:1	California South	Temecula FC (SWPL)	Western Sports Park (Field 1) - Farmington, UT
June 27	Vikings SC	Utah	3:1	Nevada	Rebels United (SWPL)	Western Sports Park (Field 2) - Farmington, UT

June 27	El Farolito SC (NPSL)	California North	7:0	Colorado	Peak XI FC (SWPL)	Western Sports Park (Field 1) - Farmington, UT
June 27	Bowaze FC	Idaho	W:L (Forfeit)	New Mexico	Sun City FC (NPSL)	Western Sports Park (Field 2) - Farmington, UT
June 27	Vacaville Elite (NPSL)	California North	8:4	Utah	Olympique Montreux	Western Sports Park (Field 3) - Farmington, UT
June 27	Temecula FC (SWPL)	California South	5:5	Utah	Vikings SC	Western Sports Park (Field 1) - Farmington, UT
June 27	Rebels United (SWPL)	Nevada	W:L (Forfeit)	Utah	Kita FC	Western Sports Park (Field 2) - Farmington, UT
June 27	Sin City FC (SWPL)	Nevada	1:2	California South	Cal South Saturdays	Western Sports Park (Field 3) - Farmington, UT

POINTS SYSTEM	WIN = 3 PTS	TIE = 3 PTS	LOSS = 0 PTS	CLEAN SHEET = 1 PT	GOALS SCORED (Up to 3) = 1 PT EACH


REGION IV SEMIFINALS	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
June 28	El Farolito SC (NPSL)	California North	2:3	California South	Cal South Saturdays	Western Sports Park (Field 1) - Farmington, UT
June 28	Olympique Montreux	Utah	1:7	Nevada	Sin City FC (SWPL)	Western Sports Park (Field 2) - Farmington, UT

REGION IV FINAL	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
June 28	El Farolito SC (NPSL)	California North	3:0	Nevada	Sin City FC (SWPL)	Western Sports Park (Field 1) - Farmington, UT

NATIONAL AMATEUR CUP
SEMIFINALS	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
July 24	Lansdowne Yonkers FC (APSL)	Eastern New York	5:1	North Carolina	Tar Devils SC (NCSL)	Uihlein Soccer Park - Milwaukee, WI
July 24	Chicago House AC (MWPL)	Illinois	0:2	California North	El Farolito SC (NPSL)	Uihlein Soccer Park - Milwaukee, WI

FINAL	AWAY TEAM	STATE ASSOCIATION	SCORE	STATE ASSOCIATION	HOME TEAM	VENUE
July 25	Lansdowne Yonkers FC (APSL)	Eastern New York	1:3 (AET)	California North	El Farolito SC (NPSL)	Uihlein Soccer Park - Milwaukee, WI

2026 National Amateur Cup: USASA Region I tournament begins with four forfeits

April 7, 2026 by Michael Battista

Leros SC during their USASA Region I Amateur Cup match versus Hoboken FC 1912. Photo: Julian Camilo

The 102nd edition of the National Amateur Cup began last month in the Northeast. It was dominant wins and forfeits so far in the first wave of games in the USASA Region I tournament for the 2026 Amateur Cup.

Region I, which is made up of teams from the Northeast, is down to the Quarterfinals after battles between state champions and runner-ups. The region will eventually crown a champion that will be the representative at the National Finals, alongside the other three USASA Regions.

Here’s a look at each of the six Region I games played so far:

Sunday, March 22

Baltimore City FC (MD, MSSL)
L:W
West Chester United SC (PA, USLPA)
Bryn Athen College – Bryn Athen College, PA

The defending USASA National Amateur Cup champions advanced to the next round via forfeit. West Chester SC, a few days removed from a grueling 2-1 loss to Loudoun United FC in the First Round of the 2026 US Open Cup, reached the Region I Quarterfinals after their opponent Baltimore City FC could not play.

No official reason was given by Baltimore City FC for this decision.

BCFC qualified for the tournament as 2025-26 Stewart Cup finalists, which is the tournament in Maryland to crown a for the state’s amateur champion. The team lost to Christos FC, 3-0, in the final back on March 8. West Chester qualified for the tournament not as defending champions but as 2025-26 Bill O’Neill Amateur Cup finalists, which is Eastern Pennsylvania’s tournament to determine state amateur champions. WCU beat rivals Vereinigung Erzgebirge (VE Club), 4-3, on March 13.

2026 US Open Cup Round 1: Loudoun United survives late flurry to avoid road upset

Vereinigung Erzgebirge (PA, USLPA)
5:1
Syndicate FC (VA, NVSL)
John R. Lewis High School – Springfield, VA

Vereinigung Erzgebirge (VE Club) left little doubt in their opening match of the Region I tournament, beating Syndicate FC, 5-1, behind a hat-trick and a brace. Former University of Delaware forward Justin Ruth scored twice in the first half and capped it off with his team’s last goal in the second half.

Syndicate qualified for the tournament as Metropolitan DC-Virginia Soccer Association (MDCVSA) state cup finalists. The team lost to Los Toros, 9-0, in the final on February 21. VE will be looking to avenge a few tough losses from 2025, losing in the penultimate round of 2026 Open Cup qualifying to Oaklyn United FC last fall and not even qualifying for last year’s Amateur Cup after a tough run in the state tournament.

Goal scorers

VE Club:

Justin Ruth 25′, 42′, 65′
Derek Antonini 50′, 51′

LG:

Peter Atanga 85′

MATCH BROADCAST (Northern Virginia Soccer League)

Saturday, March 28

Lansdowne Yonkers FC (NY, APSL)
4:0
South Costal Union (MA, APSL)
Greater New Bedford Vocational High School – New Bedford, MA

Lansdowne Yonkers FC scored twice in each half for an easy opening round win against South Costal Union, 4-0. Both American Premier Soccer League sides were coming off successful runs in their conferences last season, but Lansdowne’s depth was too much for SCU to handle.

It got started early when Seamas Keogh, former Ireland youth national team and first division pro player, sent a corner kick into the box in the ninth minute. Nicolas Macri Badessich headed the ball into the left side for his first of two goals and giving Lansdowne an early lead. The New York side kept pushing and eventually Macri pushed on the right side, sending a ball into the box where a SCU player accidentally slide tackled the ball into his own net while trying to send it out. Yonkers followed up in the second half with two goals in two minutes. Macri knotched his brace in the 63rd before a bad restart allowed former Irish professional Danú Kinsella-Bishop to score a long distance shot in the 65th.

Lansdowne are back in the Amateur Cup after reaching the 2025-26 Dr. Manning Cup final, the state cup for teams in the Eastern NY State Soccer Association. No word on when that final will be played against Leros SC. Union qualified after reaching the final of the Massachusetts State Amateur Cup, where the fell to Locos Gunners, 4-1.

Goal scorers

LYFC:

Nicolas Macri Badessich 9′ (Seamus Keogh)
Own Goal 22′
Nicolas Macri Badessich 63′
Danú Kinsella-Bishop 65′ (Marco Charnas)

MATCH BROADCAST (New Logical Sports)

Hoboken FC (NJ, APSL)
0:3
Leros SC (NY, APSL)
SUSA Complex Field #1 – Central Islip, NY

Long Island side Leros SC held back Hoboken FC 1912 before securing the win late, 3-0, to advance into the Region I Quarterfinals. The two American Premier Soccer League Metropolitan Conference teams had already met twice in the regular season, drawing both times including a 3-3 draw on March 15. This time, the home side came away with the win.

Yohance Alexander scored the game winner midway through the first half, when a long ball to Junior Rosero was played towards him in the middle of the box. Alexander got around his defender and gave a right footed shot into the right corner.

Leros SC celebrates after beating Hoboken FC 1912 3-0 in the 2026 USASA Region I Amateur Cup tournament. Photo: Leros SC

It was an MVP performance for Mason Chetti, who was involved in both team’s goals late in the second half. The midfielder and Ronkonkoma, NY native used his speed to frustrate the Hoboken defense all night, creating a number of chances. He also capped it off with a nice front flip celebration after scoring his goal. It was also a huge return for team captain Luis Argudo, the former Major League Soccer and USL Championship player, who returned to the team after serving a four game red card suspension.

Leros qualified for its first amateur cup tournament after reaching the 2025-26 Dr. Manning Cup final, the state cup for teams in the Eastern NY State Soccer Association. That included a shock win over defending Region I Amateur Cup champion New York Pancyprian-Freedoms last December in the Manning Cup semifinals. It capped off a busy 2025 for the Long Island team, including a promotion playoff win in June that promoted the team from the Long Island Soccer Football League into the APSL. Hoboken returned to the amateur cup through a slate of qualifying through the New Jersey Soccer Association.

Goal scorers

Leros:

Yohance Alexander 28′ (Junior Rosero)
Harry Cooke 86′ (Mason Chetti)
Mason Chetti 90+3′ (Macoumba Ba)

MATCH BROADCAST (Game In Frame)

Sunday, March 29

Club Atlético Los Toros (VA, APL)
W:L
Ristozi FC (MD, NPSL)
Mustang Stadium – Owings Mills, MD

A second forfeit hit the Region I Round of 16 when it was confirmed to TheCup.us that Ristozi FC of the National Premier Soccer League would not be competing in the tournament. The game was to come nine days after the side lost in the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup First Round to USL League One side Charlotte Independence. No official reason for the decision was given.

Club Atlético Los Toros advance to the regional quarterfinals. They qualified for the amateur cup tournament as Metropolitan DC-Virginia Soccer Association (MDCVSA) state cup finalists. The team beat Syndicate FC, 9-0, in the final on February 21.

There is no official method of NPSL qualification for the Amateur Cup regional tournaments, though Region I likes to have one in the Northern half of the bracket and one of the Southern half. Ristozi finished second in the Mid-Atlantic Conference regular season during in 2025, before winning the conference title over Virginia Dream FC in the playoffs and eventual reaching the NPSL East Region Final.

2026 US Open Cup Round 1: 2nd half push sends Charlotte Independence past Ristozi FC

Jugadores (PA, GPSL)
0:5
Christos FC (MD, APSL)
Arundel High School – Gambrills, MD

Maryland powerhouse Christos FC dominated in their first game, beating Pittsburgh, PA area side Jugadores, 5-0, to reach the Region I Quarterfinals. University of Maryland, Baltimore County alumni Spencer Hanks scored a brace for his team. Though the real star of the match was Brandon Burkholder who took advantage of a bad Jugadores play and scored a bicycle kick goal from the top of the box.

Christos qualified for the tournament as 2025-26 Stewart Cup finalists, which is the tournament in Maryland to crown a for the state’s amateur champion. The team beat Baltimore City FC, 3-0, in the final back on March 8. There is no official record of how Jugadores qualified for the tournament as Western Pennsylvania’s lone representation.

Goal scorers

Christos:

Spencer Hanks (x2)
Daniel Baxter
Juston Rainey
Brandon Burkholder

MATCH BROADCAST (DMV Sports Media)

Unscheduled forfeits

Santa Cruz FC (MA, NPSL)
L:W
Loco Gunners (MA, BSSL)
Madison Park High School – Boston, MA

A fourth and final forfeit for the opening round of the Region I Amateur Cup. Loco Gunners of the Bay States Soccer League advance into the Quarterfinals after a confusing series of events with the National Premier Soccer League.

According to a source close to the situation, Gunners were originally supposed to play Flower City Union of the National Premier Soccer League. However the defending Great Lakes Conference champions, who also lost 9-0 to Lexington SC in the First Round of the 2026 Open Cup, were swapped with NPSL expansion side Santa Cruz FC. That team has now forfeit for unknown reasons, making it the second NPSL team in Region I to refuse to take the field.

Gunners qualified after reaching the final of the 2025-26 Massachusetts State Amateur Cup, where the team beat South Coast Union, 4-1.

2026 US Open Cup Round 1: Lexington SC open floodgates in club record 9-goal win vs. Flower City Union

Beech St. FC (NH, UPSL)
L:W
SC Vistula Garfield (NJ, APSL)
Garfield High School – Garfield, NJ

A third forfeit was confirmed by USASA to TheCup as it was revealed Beech St. FC would not be traveling to face SC Vistula Garfield. No official date was ever given for this game to take place.

Beech St. has not provided TheCup with an official reason for this decision. USASA told TheCup that the team was not able to field a team this early ahead of their season.

The manner in which Beech St. qualified for the tournament is not known at this time. Interestingly, Beech St. only competes in the United Premier Soccer League – which is not part of the United States Adult Soccer Association. However, because New Hampshire does not have an established USASA adult state league, the UPSL team was allowed to enter. Vistula qualified for the amateur cup through a slate of qualifying through the New Jersey Soccer Association.

USASA Region I, Round 2 (Quarterfinal) Matchups

(Away team listed first, games to be played between April 19 to 26)
West Chester United SC (USLPA) vs Club Atlético Los Toros (APL) vs WEST CHESTER UNITED EPA
Leros SC (APSL) vs Vistula Garfield SC (APSL)
Loco Gunners vs Lansdowne Yonkers FC (APSL)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USLPA) vs Christos FC (APSL)

2026 National Amateur Cup: Primer and regional information

April 6, 2026 by Michael Battista

The Fritz Marth Cup, awarded to the winner of the National Amateur Cup tournament. Photo: United States Adult Soccer Association

This article is part of TheCup.us’ National Amateur Cup coverage.

The 102nd edition of the National Amateur Cup has kicked off in the Northeast and Midwest. For the eighth straight tournament, the crown jewel of the United Adult Amateur Soccer Association (USASA) plays a part in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Whichever team is left standing as national champion will automatically qualify for the 2027 US Open Cup.

For the tournament, the United States is divided into four regions. Region I in the Northeast, Region II in the Midwest, Region III in the South, and Region IV in the West. All regions hold their own Amateur Cup tournaments with their own formats. The winners from each region play in a four-team national tournament.

For a more in-depth primer on the tournament, you can read our “What is the National Amateur Cup?” article.

Let’s get a quick update about where we are right now at the start.

REGION I (NORTHEAST)

Of the four, the USASA Region I Amateur Cup is the one with the highest competitive caliber. The competition is, for the most part, highly selective in terms of what teams qualify for it. The 16 teams taking part represent eight state soccer associations and the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Five of these state associations sent both their state cup champion and finalist to the tournament, while one sent two teams that qualified through a separate slate of knockout games. These associations are:

Eastern New York
Eastern Pennsylvania
Maryland
Massachusetts
Metropolitan DC-Virginia Soccer Association
New Jersey

Both Western Pennsylvania and New Hampshire sent one team each, with no stated qualification method listed. The NPSL sent two teams into the tournament, once again with no listed qualification method. All of these teams can be found on our schedule page.

Of the last ten National Amateur Cup champions, six have come from the Northeast – including four which directly qualified for the Open Cup.

This includes defending National Amateur Cup champion West Chester United SC, who are coming off a Round 1 exit in the 2026 US Open Cup last month.

The tournament is set to run between this Sunday, March 22 to June 6, 2026. The format is single elimination knockout, with the bracket of 16 teams split between North and South. The American Premier Soccer League (formerly known as the Eastern Premier Soccer League) is the most represented league in the region with six teams participating. Maryland, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania are the most represented states in the tournament with each having three teams taking part. The last two teams will play the regional final at the Ukrainian American Sport Center in Horsham, PA.

The schedule is as follows:

Round 1 – March 22-29
Quarterfinals – April 19-26th
Semifinals – May 10-17
Final – Saturday, June 6

A complete Round 1 recap of the tournament can be found here: *LINK When Ready later today*

2025 National Amateur Cup: West Chester United wins Region I title, heads to nationals

REGION II (MIDWEST)

Registration for the USASA Region II Amateur Cup, also known as the Bill Davey Amateur Cup, closed on March 8. Teams from the region’s 14 state associations and National Premier Soccer League were eligible to sign up. The region uses open admission, meaning any eligible team may enter the tournament. The format is a single-elimination knockout bracket.

In total, 18 teams representing six state associations are taking part in the tournament. The Midwest Premier Soccer League is the most represented league in the region with seven teams participating. Wisconsin is the most represented state in the tournament with five teams taking part.

Regional began in late March, with each round expected to have a two week window periods set for each round. The final will be hosted by Ft. Wayne Sport Club, which is the same as 1927 SC that is taking part in the tournament, in Fort Wayne, IN.

Round 1 – Competition window closes Sunday, April 5, 2026
Round 2 – Competition window closes Sunday, April 19, 2026
Quarterfinals – Competition window closes Sunday, May 3, 2026
Semifinals – Competition window closes Sunday, May 17, 2026
Final – Sunday, May 31, 2026

Of the 18 teams taking part, 16 will compete in Round 1 before the winners of those games meet in Round 2. Defending regional champion RWB Adria (IL, MWPL) and regional finalist FC Milwaukee Torrent (WI, NPSL) will enter in the Quarterfinal Round.

Round 1 matchups are as follows;

(Home team listed first)

Goshen City FC (IN, MWPL) vs Steel City FC (IL, MWPL)
Valhalla FC (OH, OVPL) vs 1927 SC (IN, MWPL)
Ypsilanti Athletic FC (MI, MUSL) vs Drita Soccer Club (MI, APSL)
Monroe United (MI, APSL) vs Livonia City FC (MI, APSL)
Bavarian United SC (WI, MWPL) vs United Serbian Soccer Club (WI, WSL)
Chicago House AC (IL, MWPL) vs RKC Third Coast FC (WI, MWPL)
Green Bay Glory (WI, MWPL) vs Camargo FC (MN, MASL)
Vlora FC (MN, MASL) vs Minnesota Blizzard FC (MN, NPSL)

* Blizzard also has a team in the Minnesota Amateur Soccer League (MASL). That team goes by the name Blizzard FC II, so this is the NPSL first team.

A full round recap for this round will be published to TheCup.us soon. Please check our schedule page for updated results, game locations, and kickoff times.

2025 National Amateur Cup: Tyler Bagley bags four goals to give RWB Adria Region 2 title

REGION III (SOUTH)

The USASA Region III Amateur Cup is scheduled to take place between Friday May 29 and Sunday, May 31, 2026 at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro, TN.

No format has been announced at this time. However, Region III typically involves a group stage and single elimination knockout style tournament. In years past, teams have been broken up into groups before playing three games over the course of two days (Friday and Saturday). The top performing teams in these groups advance to a knockout round on Sunday, with either four semifinalists playing two games in one day to determine a champion or only the top teams from each group playing in a final.

Teams that compete in leagues that are part of the following state associations are permitted to enter;

Alabama Soccer Association
Arkansas Soccer Association
Florida Adult Soccer Association
Georgia State Soccer Association
Louisiana Soccer Association
Mississippi Soccer Association
North Carolina Adult Soccer Association
North Texas Soccer Association
Oklahoma Soccer Association
South Carolina Soccer Association
Tennessee State Soccer Association
Texas State Soccer Association South

Teams that compete in the National Premier Soccer League from one of the above states are also permitted to enter.

2025 National Amateur Cup: Well-rested Say Word FC wins Region III title over ASC New Stars

REGION IV (WEST)

The USASA Region IV Amateur Cup is scheduled to take place between Friday June 26 and Sunday, June 28, 2026 at the Western Sports Park in Farmington, UT.

The region looks to be using the same format it implemented last year, which is similar to Region III with a group stage and single elimination knockout style tournament.

Teams will likely be broken up into groups before playing three games over the course of two days (Friday and Saturday). The top performing teams in these groups advance to a knockout round on Sunday, with either four semifinalists playing two games in one day to determine a champion or only the top teams from each group playing in a final.

In the meantime, interested teams from the following state associations, and the National Premier Soccer League, may sign up prior to the deadline of Monday, May 25, 2026:

Alaska State Soccer Association
Arizona State Soccer Association
California Soccer Association – North
California State Soccer Association – South
Colorado Soccer Association
Hawaii Soccer Association
Idaho State Soccer Association
Montana State Soccer Association
Nevada Adult Soccer Association
New Mexico State Soccer Association
Oregon Adult Soccer Association
Utah Soccer Association
Washington State Adult Soccer Association
Wyoming Soccer Association

2025 National Amateur Cup: Sin City FC score late to win USASA Region IV tournament

National Amateur Cup Finals

According to USASA Region II, the 2026 National Amateur Cup Finals will be held in Milwaukee, WI between Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25. The exact hosting venue is unknown at this time.

The four regional champions will play a semifinal match on Friday, with the two winners advancing to Saturday’s national championship game. The winner of that will take home the Fitz Marth Amateur Cup, prize money, and automatic qualification to the 2027 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: Vukovic’s OT header sends Phoenix Rising FC past Orange County SC

April 3, 2026 by Glen Juniper

Phoenix Rising FC celebrates after defeating Orange County SC 2-1 in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Phoenix Rising FC

Under a full moon at Championship Stadium, Phoenix Rising FC advanced to the Round of 32 in the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Orange County SC on Wednesday night. Aleksandar Vukovic delivered the decisive header early in extra time after Ousmane Sylla’s late equalizer forced overtime in a physical second-round matchup defined by momentum swings, missed chances and late drama.

The game started with Orange County controlling the ball with such elegance that Phoenix could not get possession for a substantial enough amount of time to create an opportunity. Phoenix played aggressively, dealing nine fouls to OCSC and getting three yellow cards in return. Orange County on the other hand were a bit less aggressive but still committed a couple unnecessary fouls that led to Phoenix being able to hold some possession.

In the late minutes of the half, Alexander Rando made a mistake leading to an easy goal for Gunnar Studdenhofft and a 1-0 lead. After that goal the momentum shifted Phoenix’s way with them having more opportunities in those seven minutes than they did in the entire half.

The second half followed a similar pattern. The half had many fouls and yellow cards, but OCSC broke through in the last 10 minutes to tie the match up with a spectacular sequence of skills from Ousmane Sylla.

“There’s not many players that can do the things he does with the ball and have the confidence to go and dribble and drive through players and he scores a very good goal,” said coach Danny Stone.

The game went to extra time and in the first five minutes Phoenix Rising’s Vukovic scored an amazing header goal from a corner. It was his first career Open Cup goal.

After that, fatigue started to kick in for both teams which caused many gaps in the middle and both teams were able to exploit. In the dying minutes of the game, OCSC saw a couple of chances just go wide.

“I am very happy with the overall performance of the boys, but also the subs that made a huge difference,” said Coach Pa-Modou Kah of Phoenix Rising. “We are going to continue to be who we are and keep striding and fighting. It’s a great game for our players.

“They are seeking to go higher and now they get to play an MLS team and showcase what their abilities are and what they can do.”

Stone was still positive even after the loss for OCSC.

“I was really proud of the players for the effort, the way they fought, and competed in the game and I think probably we didn’t deserve to be the losing team in the game,” he said.

Phoenix Rising’s Eziah Ramirez was one of several teenagers on the field.

“I was a little nervous at first but, when I get here on the field all the nerves go away and I feel confident,” Ramirez said.

With the win, Phoenix advances beyond their opening round game for the fifth year in a row, however for Orange County SC, this is the third year in a row that they are one-and done.

The future is bright for both teams, but it will be Phoenix that will play at least one more match in this 111^th Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. (UPDATE: Phoenix Rising will play at the San Jose Earthquakes in Round 3)

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: El Paso Locomotive eliminates 10-man New Mexico United again

April 3, 2026 by Seth Biddulph

Rubio Rubin of El Paso Locomotive FC celebrates after scoring a goal against New Mexico United in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: New Mexico United

In a renewal of the regional rivalry within the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, El Paso Locomotive FC defeated New Mexico United 4-0 at the UNM Soccer Complex on Wednesday night. The result marks the second consecutive year New Mexico has been eliminated from the tournament by El Paso, as the hosts played the final 31 minutes with ten men.

The match began with El Paso controlling the tempo and creating the more clinical chances. New Mexico struggled to establish consistent possession early, though the defensive unit remained compact for the opening half-hour.

The disciplinary narrative began in the 22nd minute when United midfielder Ousman Jabang received a yellow card following a sliding challenge on Robert Coronado. Despite the pressure, the score remained level until the 37th minute. Following a deep throw-in by the visitors, Omar Mora recovered the ball on the endline and centered it into the box. United’s defense was unable to clear the service, allowing the ball to fall to Alvaro Quezada, who struck a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena to give El Paso a 1-0 lead.

The momentum shifted decisively in the 59th minute. Jabang, already on a caution, committed a foul on Ricky Ruiz during a midfield transition. The referee issued a second yellow card, resulting in a red card and reducing New Mexico to ten players.

El Paso capitalised on the man advantage almost immediately, with three goals following the advantage being given their way.

In the 63rd minute, while United was in the process of making tactical substitutions following a foul on Mora, El Paso executed a quick restart. Alex Mendez took a direct free kick from approximately 27 yards out, catching Arozarena off-guard at the left post to make it 2-0.

Minutes later in the 69th, a turnover in the United defensive half allowed Rubio Rubin to break free on a one-on-one. Rubin lifted his shot over the charging Arozarena to extend the lead to 3-0.

The visitors added a final goal in the 85th after a long ball over the top forced Arozarena off his line. While the initial danger was slowed, United failed to decisively clear the area. After a blocked shot by Diego Abitia, Eric Calvillo hit a first-time lob over the keeper to finalize the 4-0 scoreline.