US Open Cup

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: FC Tulsa capitalize on OT mistake in foul fest with San Antonio FC

April 3, 2026 by Jonathan Check

Ian Carlos Souza Daniel (left) of FC Tulsa battles for the ball with a San Antonio FC player in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Rance Ristau/San Antonio FC

On a night where both sides were consistently missing the mark in front of goal but finding it in their tackles, FC Tulsa pounced on a poor pass at the back to defeat San Antonio FC 1-0 away after extra time on Wednesday night.

Battling for every inch all night, the two sides committed a combined 60 fouls, the second-most in a single match in the US Open Cup’s Modern Era (1995-present) and just four shy of the record of 64 set in a quarterfinal match on Aug. 9, 2000 — a match which, coincidentally, current SAFC head coach Carlos Llamosa started and played all 112 minutes of, his D.C. United losing 3-2 at home in sudden-death extra time to Miami Fusion FC (MLS).

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A total of 15 yellow cards were also handed out Wednesday, though only one player was sent off for a second, in extra time.

Remi Cabral not only avoided the referee’s book but also was the only player to find his way onto the scoresheet, notching his goal in the 106th minute after coming on as a substitute in the 70th. The goal was just the second SAFC has conceded in six competitive matches so far this season, and the first from open play.

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“We knew it was going to be a tight game – it always is when we play against San Antonio,” said Tulsa head coach Luke Spencer. “We played against them one time in preseason already and then we played against them in the regular season – two good teams, two physical teams. …We look forward to these battles and we embraced it.”

Although decent opportunities were created throughout the match, neither side was sharp enough to get a shot on goal for more than an hour. Tulsa came close in the 69th minute as Jamie Webber hit the crossbar with a free kick, after which the ball bounced around a few times in the box before SAFC cleared it.

SAFC’s Jorge Hernandez got the first shot on target in the 78th minute, retrieving an overcooked cross on the right side of the box before firing a shot toward the bottom right corner, forcing goalkeeper Dane Jacomen to tip it away. Six minutes later, Tulsa got its first shot on target as Stefan Lukic cut inside from the right flank and fired from just outside the box, giving goalkeeper Joey Batrouni a comfortable catch.

SAFC’s task got harder in the 97th minute when Akeem O’Connor-Ward became the only player to receive a second yellow card as he arrived just a moment too late to a challenge, forcing SAFC to play with 10 men for the rest of the match.

Just 16 seconds after the second half of extra time began, Tulsa scored the lone goal when Cabral pounced on an undercooked backpass, rounded Batrouni and fired the ball in from a tight angle on the right side of the box, with defender Alex Crognale racing toward the line but unable to clear the ball in time. It was Cabral’s second Open Cup goal after opening the scoring for Phoenix Rising FC on May 22, 2024, at the Seattle Sounders FC, though his side ultimately lost 2-1.

“It was really good pressing from the whole team, as we worked during the week, we worked on the pressing, we want to be an aggressive team,” Cabral said. “I saw Lukic making pressure, I followed the pressing and scored. …My objective was just to hit the frame because I know even when a defender is coming, it’s really hard to clear the ball when you’re facing your own goal.”

Even down a man, SAFC threw what it could at Tulsa but still couldn’t find the killer touch, losing its first match in all competitions this year.

“After what wasn’t the best first half, I thought the guys stepped it up in the second half, won a lot more duels, we were together, we looked more like us and we competed, so I think that turned into being able to get the goal in the end and make some critical plays down the stretch,” Spencer said.

Tulsa and SAFC have now met twice in the Open Cup with Tulsa narrowly edging out SAFC both times, having also won 7-6 in a penalty shootout in Tulsa on May 31, 2017, back when the side was known as the Tulsa Roughnecks. It is also now undefeated in six straight matches in all competitions against SAFC dating back to 2023.

Tulsa advanced to the Round of 32 where it is guaranteed to face an MLS opponent, having last done so on May 21, 2024, losing 4-0 away to four-time Open Cup champion Sporting Kansas City.

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: Colorado Springs Switchbacks control game, but need PKs to oust Spokane

April 3, 2026 by Jason Smith

Apr 1, 2026; Colorado Springs, CO, USA; Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC defender Talen Maples (24) celebrates his goal with forward Levonte Johnson (11) and midfielder Adrien Perez (10) against Spokane Velocity FC at Weidner Field. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing/Switchbacks FC

If you had told the Colorado Springs Switchbacks that it would take 120 minutes and penalty kicks to get past the Spokane Velocity, they might have suggested it was an April Fool’s joke. However, that’s what the USL Championship squad needed — a 4-2 win on PKs after a 1-1 draw against the USL League One side — to secure a ticket to the Round of 32 in the US Open Cup.

The night started ominously as dark clouds erupted in freezing rain 30 minutes before kickoff. While the skies cleared up at kickoff, the temperature stayed at a chilly 48 degrees, keeping the hundreds of Switchbacks fans stay bundled up for the remainder of the game.

For Spokane, their temperature continued running cold, coming off a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of USL League One’s Charlotte Independence in league play. The USL Championship’s Switchbacks came in after losing to rival New Mexico United after surrendering the winning goal in injury time, falling 3-2.

Both teams hoped to warm things up in their first-ever meeting.
For most of the evening, the field was tilted in the Switchbacks favor, dominating 70% of the possession. Despite the dominance, it would take until the 45th minute for the home team to break through with a Talen Maples left-footed goal for a 1-0 lead. The Switchbacks smothering defense kept the Velocity out of their penalty box altogether in the first half, not allowing them an offensive touch.

For much of the second half the story remained the same. Spokane didn’t notch a shot on goal until forcing Switchbacks keeper Christian Herrera into a save in the 60th minute. However, their strategy of staying compact defensively frustrated the Switchbacks all night.

Things looked secure for the Switchbacks to advance until the 87th minute when Spokane received a free kick off of a Colorado Springs handball. Velocity midfielder Joe Gallardo placed the free kick perfectly to Andrew Booth, who headed it past an outstretched Herrera for the equalizer at 1-1.

Despite a hurried remaining four minutes of injury time, neither team scored, and the game advanced into extra time.

Colorado Springs pressed the attack in a frenzy to begin the extra time, garnering 11 of their 28 shots on goal in the final 30 minutes. Despite the shots, none of them challenged Spokane keeper Sean Lewis with zero shot on frame. As the Velocity’s legs became heavier between the minutes played and the altitude, they appeared content to take the game to penalty kicks.

The Switchbacks chose to play to the goal in front of their supporters section, and the hundreds that remained after two hours of rain and cold rushed to join the Trailheads as the noise in Weidner Field went from near deafening to silence as Colorado Springs, Khori Bennett lined up for the opening shot.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC goalkeeper Christian Herrera makes a save in the PK shootout vs. Spokane Velocity in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Isaiah J. Downing/Switchbacks FC

They erupted as he buried it into the back of the to start the session. Up next came Spokane’s Anuar Jose Pelaez, who attempted to slide it to his bottom left, only to be saved by Herrera. Adrien Perez scored next for the Switchbacks, and Herrera again made a save, this time against Simon Fitch. Maples failed to convert on his kick, bouncing it off the woodwork. Mark Hernandez gave the visitors hope, converting his kick, as the home side’s Yosuke Hanya likewise converted his shot.

Former Switchback Andre Lewis gave his current squad hope by converting his shot, setting the scene for the Switchbacks to win with a successful penalty kick. Then, 21-year-old Sadam Masereka stepped up and buried his chance, sending the Championship side on to the next round, and the visitors home empty handed.

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: Detroit City FC earns first regulation win vs. Flint City Bucks in rivalry renewal

April 3, 2026 by Tavio Palazzolo

PLayers from Detroit CIty FC (red) and the Flint City Bucks battle for the ball in a Second Round match in the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Flint City Bucks

The Flint City Bucks and Detroit City FC are each other’s most common opponents in the US Open Cup, and they faced off for the fourth time on Wednesday night. This was the first time since Le Rouge elevated from the amateur ranks to become a professional side; and it opened the door for the Bucks to claim another victory against a pro team, something they have done a Modern Era record 11 times.

Instead, Detroit scored late in the first half and held on to advance with a win in regulation over the Bucks for the first time, defeating the Flint side 1-0 at Don Batchelor Stadium in Grand Blanc, Mich. with nearly 2,700 fans in attendance.

It was Detroit City’s first regulation win against the Bucks in their four meetings. The previous three meetings were all when both clubs were amateur sides with the Bucks winning 3-0 in 2015, and DCFC winning in a penalty kick shootout in 2016 and 2018.

An early yellow card was shown to Detroit City’s Kobe Hernandez-Foster for dragging down Bucks midfielder Matt Dreas in the third minute. This was a sign of Flint pushing the tempo early in the match. They came out pressing the USL Championship side, occasionally intercepting passes and creating chances while keeping Detroit in their own defensive end.

Detroit City found their footing about 15 minutes in, getting multiple crosses into the box from the left wing in the span of 30 seconds, but both chances were cleared. It was followed up with a long ball to Jeciel Cedeño, who sent a header wide left. Detroit continued to push for chances in the first half, but that led to getting caught on the back foot as Flint found an opening for a counterattack in the 33^rd minute. A DCFC corner was cleared and found Bucks midfielder Ollie Moller-Jensen, who ran from the top of his own box to 35 yards out from the opposite net, where he launched a shot to be collected by Detroit keeper Carlos Saldaña.

The consistent attempts by Detroit City FC to break through eventually did so. In the 40^th minute, Alex Dalou received a pass on the left wing from Tommy Silva and proceeded to replicate his goal from Round 1. He carried the ball from the wing to the top of the box and then fired a bouncing shot past Bucks keeper Isaiah Goldson for the 1-0 lead.

The Bucks had a quick chance to answer back before halftime as a bouncing ball failing to be cleared by Detroit City fell to the foot of Bucks defender Matthew Paiva, who found captain Wes Carnevale in the box. Carnevale took one touch and then fired a point-blank shot at the net. Saldaña stuck out his left foot to make the quick save and kept his team up at the break.

Neither team would let up in the second half. A corner in the 53^rd minute by Hernandez-Foster was sent toward the net, but it was Cedeño who blocked his own team’s attempt. A quick counter by the Bucks found the foot of Moller-Jensen, who looked to mimic Dalou’s goal but was blocked by Rhys Wiliams.

Arguably, Flint’s best opportunity of the night came in the 64^th minute but it wasn’t Saldaña who saved the day. Jordy Lopez, who had found himself on the scoresheet in the Round 1 win against Madison, sent in a cross from the right side to a waiting Moller-Jensen lining up from 12 yards out. He fired a shot destined for the net, but Rhys Williams was there to stick out his right foot, block the ball, and keep the lead for Le Rouge.

Both clubs came up with a couple more tries to get on the scoreboard, but it was to no avail. Ryan Williams looked to score from a free kick in the 68^th minute, just as he had done two years prior in Houston against the defending champion Dynamo, but his attempt was blocked by the Bucks’ wall. A few minutes later in the 74^th, on the other end, Jack Roman received a pass and took a shot from the top of the box that was sent wide right.

In the end, Detroit City FC found themselves the narrow victors and advanced in their third straight meeting with the Bucks, having also done so in 2016 and 2018. Up next for Detroit City? A fifth straight year matching up with a side from Major League Soccer.

“I would love to have an MLS club at Keyworth,” said head coach Danny Dichio. “I haven’t had that yet… It would be my dream.”

If the draw were to play out in DCFC’s favor, it would be the first time hosting MLS since Minnesota United in 2023, the year before Dichio took the reins. (UPDATE: Detroit City FC will host Chicago Fire FC in Round 3)

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: Westchester SC needs PK shootout to survive Vermont Green’s upset bid

April 3, 2026 by Nate Scandore

Westchester SC players celebrate after beating Vermont Green FC 4-3 in a PK shootout after a 1-1 draw in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Vermont Green FC

Westchester SC defeated Vermont Green FC 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw through regulation and extra time in Round 2 of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Westchester goalkeeper Matias Molina made several key saves during the match and stopped the decisive penalty in the sixth round of the shootout. The result sends Westchester to the Round of 32 for the second consecutive year, while Vermont Green FC exits in Round 2 for the second time in three seasons.

Vermont Green FC controlled play from the opening whistle, creating early chances in the attacking third. In the third minute, Mitch Baker led a pair of opportunities, while in the 10th, Riley Moloney’s curling free kick was punched away by Molina.

Vermont’s best early chance came in the 21st minute when a give-and-go freed Baker inside the box, but his shot was smothered by Molina at the near post.

Vermont Green held a 2-0 edge in shots on target and corners midway through the first half and continued to press. Baker tested Molina again in the 43rd minute with a half-volley, but Westchester goalkeeper Andrew Hammersley made the stop. Westchester’s best opportunity came late in the half on a breakaway, but a recovering Vermont defender prevented a shot attempt, sending the match to halftime scoreless.

Vermont maintained pressure in the second half. In the 61st minute, a low cross nearly resulted in a Westchester own goal, but Molina blocked the deflection. In the 73rd minute, Connor Miller’s free kick from 25 yards was handled by Molina.

Westchester’s best chance of regulation came in stoppage time when Conor McGlynn’s shot from the top of the box sailed over the crossbar. The match remained scoreless at the end of regulation.

In extra time, Vermont Green continued to generate chances. In the 95th minute, David Ismail delivered a cross from the right, but no teammate connected. By the 110th minute, Vermont held a 7-0 advantage in shots on target and a 7-1 edge in corner kicks but could not convert.

The match proceeded to a penalty shootout after two scoreless overtime periods.

Westchester SC goalkeeper Matias Molina makes a save in the PK shootout against Vermont Green FC in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Vermont Green FC

Westchester took a 1-0 lead in the first round as McGlynn converted and Andrew Millar missed for Vermont. Vermont equalized in the second round after Niklas Herceg made a save and Alex Hall converted.

Both teams traded goals through the next rounds. Egor Akulov converted in the third round, and Moloney gave Vermont a 3-2 lead in the fourth with a Panenka after Herceg made another save.

Westchester converted in the fifth round, and Vermont’s Mitch Baker missed high, leaving the shootout tied at 3-3.

In the sixth round, Bryan Vasquez converted for Westchester. Molina then stopped Connor Miller’s attempt to secure the 4-3 shootout victory.

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: Louisville City uses “collective performance” to get past Lexington SC

April 2, 2026 by Dillon Sweeney

Emanuel Perez of Louisville CIty FC (right) battles for the ball with Michael Adedokun of Lexington SC in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Louisville City FC

Another Bluegrassico victory goes to Louisville City, as the away team beat host Lexington SC, 2-0 to advance to the Round of 32 in the 2026 US Open Cup. A seemingly one-sided rivalry between the two USL-Championship sides, this puts Los Marados at 5-0 in matches against LSC.

“It wasn’t an easy one, we grinded out for the goals, and we kept a clean sheet. Happy to impact it with a goal and happy we’re moving on,” Louisville forward Tola Showunmi said.

The game broke in the 24th minute when Lou City’s Babacar Niang slotted home a goal. The free kick came when LSC’s Jacob Greene committed a brutal foul on Jake Morris. This put Louisville in a prime position to score, just outside the box. Jansen Wilson crossed an inviting ball inside the box, which Niang headed upwards at the crossbar. Showunmi collected the rebound but was denied by a defender. With immediate recognition, Niang gathered the rebound and put it in the right-hand corner, leaving the defense standing still.

“Getting the goal when we did, I think, helped because we were under a little bit of pressure in the first half. But the goal settled us down, and it ended up opening the game more,” said Lou City’s head coach Simon Bird.

The rest of the first half, Lexington did not show signs of quitting. The Greens maintained majority possession, with 114 passes in the opposition’s half and two corners. Their efforts were highlighted by Aaron Malloy’s shot in the 36th minute. From more than 35 yards out, Malloy launched a knuckleball, whizzing by defenders. Typically, this is a familiar sight for Lexington fans. Malloy has already scored two goals from outside the box this season, including one against Louisville. But this was not a normal night. The ball was adeptly saved by City’s Fauroux.

Ultimately, the game was decided shortly after halftime. Only six minutes in, Showunmi netted the ball to put Louisville up 2-0. The game was sealed in the 51st minute after a direct attack started by a penetrating ball from Niang to Wilson. With his speed, Jansen Wilson beat the defender and laid a shot on target, but LSC goalkeeper Oliver Semmle came out of the net to make a save. The Lexington defenders tried to make a clearance, but the effort was weak, and the ball fell to Mukwelle Akale. Akale propelled a shot on target, but Showunmi stuck a foot out to make a cheeky deflection. By the time Semmle attempted to make a save, the ball was already hitting the back of the net.

The Greens tried to shake things up by making a few substitutions, yet these changes proved unfruitful. Michael Adedokun was uncomposed, often being untidy with his touches, making sloppy passes, and giving the ball away. In the 73rd minute, Lexington led a promising attack. Xavier Zengue played an excellent cross right to Adedokun’s chest. With open space, Adedokun sailed the ball wide right, resulting in a throw-in for Lou City.

As the match went on, you could feel Lexington’s tires deflating. Lou City’s pressure was just too much. Impact subs like Manny Perez rejuvenated their defense, while Showunmi remained a nuisance the whole 90 minutes.

“I think when we won the ball and connected that first pass, we were exceptional,” Bird said. “I thought it was one of our better games with the ball, and in possession we moved it at a high tempo.

“I think today was more of a collective performance. My hope is that’s what people see with us.”

2026 US Open Cup: Rhode Island blanks Hartford Athletic as El Clamico rivalry comes to USOC

April 2, 2026 by Eric Casey

JJ Williams of Rhode Island FC celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Hartford Athletic in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Rhode Island FC

Rhode Island FC got the better of their rivals Hartford Athletic in the teams’ first-ever showdown in the US Open Cup, winning 2-0 in a Second Round matchup at a rainy Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I on Wednesday night.

Set pieces were the key to RIFC’s victory. The home club struck first in the 12th minute, when a corner kick from Kevin Vang found the head of JJ Williams, who flicked it right to defender Aldair Sanchez for his first ever goal for RIFC.

Rhode Island added another in the 30th minute, again from a set piece. Agustin “Pity” Rodriguez’s corner cross into the box found the head of JJ Williams, whose effort squeaked through the arms of Hartford goalkeeper Enzo Carvalho.

Hartford responded to open up the second half by subbing in some first-team firepower in the form of Adrian Diz, Augustine WIlliams, and Michee Ngalina, but it failed to have a serious impact on play.

A desperation goal line clearance in the 77th minute from RIFC sub Frank Nodarse kept Hartford off the scoreboard, deflecting Sebastian Anderson’s shot to safety.

It would be Athletic’s best chance of the game, as RIFC continued to apply pressure late despite their two-goal lead.

Hartford found one more chance in the dying minutes but couldn’t get the ball over the line, as an injury time shot from Junior Moreira was inadvertently deflected away by fellow Athletic player Sebastian Anderson, preserving the shutout for RIFC goalkeeper Koke Vegas.

RIFC outshot their opponents 10-8 in the contest, with Hartford committing 14 fouls compared to RIFC’s 8 in an effort to slow down the home team.

“It feels good,” goalscorer Aldair Sanchez said of defeating their southern New England league rival. “Hopefully we use this as momentum going forward. We accomplished our goal.”

JJ Williams’ goal was his 20th for RIFC, securing his spot as the young club’s all-time leading goalscorer. With an MLS opponent on tap for next round, he is relishing the upcoming challenge.

“Excellent, I love that.” Williams said of facing a top-division side next round, “I think that all of our guys should be up for that. That’s what we do it for, playing on the biggest stage we possibly can.”

RIFC Head Coach and General Manager Connor Smith was happy with his club’s efforts in the Rhode Island rain, in a rivalry between clubs from two seafood-loving states that’s become known as “El Clamico.”

“It was an organized, professional performance against a tough opponent,” Connor said.

With the victory, RIFC earned their spot in the third round, the round in which they entered the competition in their previous two cup runs.

A draw against New England Revolution seems to be their most likely opponent for next round, with the Revolution having knocked RIFC out of the cup last year with a 2-1 victory.

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: Richmond Kickers’ stoppage time winner earns first cupset in 11 years

April 2, 2026 by Henry Colonna

Players from the Richmond Kickers (red) and Loudoun United square off in a Second Round match in the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Richmond Kickers

While the Richmond Kickers regular season is off to an inconsistent start — showing promising play but lacking solid results so far — the USL League One side grew into its Round 2 match against Loudoun United on Wednesday night.

The Kickers’ Lucca Dourado, a late addition to the Richmond roster, has been promising on the attack and scoring goals. He did not disappoint in this Cup match, scoring deep into stoppage time in the second half to secure a 1-0 ‘Cupset’ win for the Kickers.

In a scoreless match after a full 90 minutes, the referee had called for eight minutes of stoppage time, but the game continued to the 101^st minute. When the ball rolled to Dourado for what would prove to be the game winning goal, Loudoun did bring their goalkeeper, Ethan Bandre, up into the box, but Loudoun remained unable to score until the end.

Richmond will host the Columbus Crew on April 14 or 15. City Stadium has not seen an MLS team since 2013. This Round 2 victory is Richmond’s first win over a higher division team since 2015 when they beat the Jacksonville Armada of the NASL (Div. 2).

Richmond defender Hayden Anderson’s perspective on the win was that “we’re out here playing against a team a league higher there’s no reason not to fight for it every time … to keep fighting for each other.”

Hayden points to two clean sheets already this year for the team. Goalkeeper Yann Fillion contributed his thoughts by highlighting defense as well “we have great leadership on the backline. Guys are really growing into their roles.”

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In the very first minute of the match, a long, hard strike from distance from Loudoun caused Richmond to concede a corner kick. This set the tone for the first 15 minutes until Josh Kirkland streaked down the left side with a shot on goal in front of the home supporters group, the Red Army, that many thought went in but that actually went into the far side netting.

That attack and best chance on goal so far allowed the Kickers to grow into the game, but Loudoun still had promising attacks generated by accurate medium and long balls. The Kickers countered with their own medium and long range balls but not quite as accurate, direct, or fast as Loudoun’s were overall.

Sam Layton, a new centerback for the Kickers, was the best defender of the night, stopping a promising attack in the 21^st minute by Loudoun with a sliding perfectly timed tackle in the Kicker’s final third. Fillion put his body – particularly his head – at risk sliding across the penalty box to snatch the ball from a Loudoun attacking player’s feet. Indeed, the defense for the Richmond Kickers is vastly improved from last year’s team. Loudoun’s Arquímides Ordóñez made several promising runs into the Kickers’ box but could not score or assist a goal.

By the second half, both teams were making back and forth attacks deep into each team’s defensive third. When Darwin Espinal — one of the Kickers fan favorites attackers — went down for injury in the 68^th minute, it seemed that this back and forth flow might suffer. Espinal is speedy and can round defenders and score from close range or distance and had just returned from injury. Dourado replaced Espinal, and the danger of the Kickers’ attack did not diminish.

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Anderson had several long throws into Loudoun’s box in the 75-80th minutes (except for one attempted long throw that embarrassingly slipped and rolled about ten feet in front of Anderson). By this time, the referee was issuing final warnings to players on both sides. The referee was calling fouls equally but not issuing yellows until the 84th minute. As each team ratcheted up intensity, the game ended with four yellows issued, all after the 84^th minute.

Richmond conceded a dangerous foul just outside their box in the 90^th minute. The foul spot and subsequent free kick was a little close to the goal and would require special skill to get up and over the Kickers wall. Indeed, the shot hit the wall but Pedro Santos collected the rebound and fired a dangerous low direct hard shot through the wall – directly at Fillion’s feet. That should have been Loudoun’s moment – a little further to either side and the pace of that should’ve wound up in the net. Even a slight deflection would’ve resulted in a Loudoun goal, but it was not meant to be.

Starting the match for Loudoun and lasting the entire match was 37-year-old MLS veteran and former DC United player Pedro Santos. Santos was a Designated Player for Columbus Crew in 2020 when Columbus won the MLS Cup. He proved through this game that he still has fight, spirit, and loves the game.

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: Chattanonoga FC’s game-winner over Tempo FC “not the prettiest”

April 2, 2026 by Jed Henderson

Nathan Koehler of Chattanooga FC celebrates after scoring a goal against Tennessee Tempo FC in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Chattanooga FC

Chattanooga FC booked a place in the US Open Cup Round of 32 with a 1-0 victory over visiting Tennessee Tempo. A header from Nathan Koelher was all that would split the two I-24 sides in the Second Round.

UPSL’s Tennessee Tempo entered the match with optimism and bravado after defeating USL League 1’s Chattanooga Red Wolves in the first round. Chattanooga FC advanced past Tempo’s UPSL counterpart, Kalonji Pro-Profile, with a 2-1 victory at Finley Stadium. Both teams knew they were 90 minutes away from facing an MLS side in the next round.

Hosts Chattanooga FC largely bossed proceedings in the first half, finding early success in attack.

The first big chance of the day fell to Chattanooga’s Daniel Mangarov in less than two minutes. After seeing his initial shot ricochet off a teammate from eight yards out, his follow-up shot grazed the outside of the Tempo post.

Tempo’s goalkeeper Francois Djiba was called into action in the 17^th minute as he denied Keegan Ancelin’s low shot from opening the scoring.

Chattanooga continued to test the Tempo defense throughout the half and finally made a breakthrough in the 44^th minute. Daniel Mangarov’s perfectly placed corner found the head of defender Nathan Koehler, who nodded over past the floundering keeper to put Chattanooga ahead.

“Those are my favorite kind of goals to score,” Koehler reflected after the game. “Not the prettiest, I don’t take on 15 people and stick it in the top corner. Danny’s played a perfect ball right into that corridor of uncertainty between where the keeper wants to come out or stay on his line. I’ve seen him kind of half go, and I had a run on my man, and he made it really simple for me.”

The hosts continued to press for another goal, even testing Djiba in goal again before halftime.

With a one goal advantage in the second half, Chattanooga continued to push for a second. Chance after chance was blocked or sent wide. Keegan Ancelin even struck the crossbar in the 79^th minute, but a second goal was not forthcoming.

The visitors fought back and created a clear chance to equalize late in the second half. An 84^th minute cutback found Kwadwo Puko, who fired a first time shot from 12 yards out. Finally called into action, Chattanooga’s Griffin Huff made a strong save in goal, preserving the lead.

After ninety hard fought minutes, Chattanooga triumphed, continuing as the lone MLS Next Pro club remaining in the competition.

“We move on, we advance, and that for us was the end goal,” head coach Richard Dixon stated after the game. “We’re super excited for the club and for the guys to move on to the next round to play an opponent from a higher division.”

Chattanooga FC will find out who that MLS opponent will be Thursday morning as the next two rounds are drawn. (UPDATE: Chattanooga FC will host Atlanta United FC of MLS in Round 3)

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: Sacramento Republic conquer Valley 559 FC to advance

April 2, 2026 by Alan Gallo

Kyle Edwards (#71) of Sacramento Republic celebrates a goal with teammate Daniel Crisostomo in a Second Round game against Valley 559 FC in the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Recpublic FC

On a rainy night in Clovis, California, Sacramento Republic FC secured its place in the Round of 32 of the 111th U.S. Open Cup with a commanding 4–0 victory over Valley 559 FC at Clovis East High School.

Sacramento controlled the match from the outset, dictating possession and tempo while consistently building through their attack. The breakthrough came in the 11th minute when Dominik Wanner delivered a dangerous ball back into the box, finding captain Lee Desmond, who powered home a header to open the scoring.

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Valley 559 showed brief signs of a response shortly after, as Jose Tovar rattled the post, but the opportunity failed to spark sustained momentum. Sacramento quickly reasserted control, showcasing their composure and attacking fluidity.

The visitors doubled their lead in the first half following a well-worked sequence of possession. After building through multiple passes, Kyle Edwards found Wanner, who drove forward and finished clinically. Just minutes later, Edwards added a goal of his own, converting a precise cutback from debutant Brandon Cambridge to give Sacramento a 3–0 advantage heading into halftime.

Valley nearly pulled one back before the break after a costly backward pass created a golden opportunity. Lucas Ribeiro ran onto the loose ball as the goalkeeper rushed out to close him down. Ribeiro chipped his effort past the keeper, but Lee Desmond recovered in time to clear it off the line, preserving Sacramento’s clean sheet.

Sacramento continued its dominance in the second half, maintaining possession and limiting Valley’s chances. In the 64th minute, Wanner once again played a key role, threading a through ball to Edwards, who calmly finished to complete his brace and seal the 4–0 result.

Wanner delivered a standout performance with one goal and two assists, while Edwards notched his second brace of the tournament. Desmond not only opened the scoring but also preserved the clean sheet with his crucial goal-line clearance.

The match also marked an important night for Sacramento’s depth and development, with several players making their first-team debuts, including Brandon Cambridge, Sergio Rivas, and academy products Jackson Montero and Luke Strassburg.

With the win, Sacramento Republic FC continues its consistent run in the competition, advancing once again to the tournament’s next round while Valley 559 is left to regroup after struggling to convert early moments into meaningful momentum.

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: Viggo Ortiz’s late OT goal helps Charlotte Independence disarm Charleston Battery

April 1, 2026 by Becca Mitchum

Viggo Ortiz of the Charlotte Independence dribbles the ball against the Charleston Battery in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Wade Wimberly - TheCup.us — Viggo Ortiz of the Charlotte Independence dribbles the ball against the Charleston Battery in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Wade Wimberly – TheCup.us

Two wildly different halves saw USL League One side Charlotte Independence and USL Championship side Charleston Battery go into extra time before a late extra-time goal from Charlotte secured their spot in the next round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 3-2 win.

The Jacks went up 2-0 with goals by Souaibou Marou in the 37^th minute and Luis Alvarez in the 58^th minute before the Battery came back with two of their own from Houssou Landry in the 70^th minute and Maalique Foster in the 77^th minute. But it was Viggo Ortiz, a former Charleston Battery player, scoring in the 119^th minute for Charlotte that broke the stalemate which led to the victory.

With the win, Charlotte advances to the Third Round where they will face a team from Major League Soccer. The Independence have faced MLS opposition three times in US Open Cup play but have only won once. That win came in their inaugural season in 2015 when they went on the road and upset the New England Revolution.

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These teams have previously met at the US Open Cup in 2023, with Charleston winning 1-0 in Round 3 of the Open Cup. So far this year, the Charlotte Independence put up a strong 4-1 showing against debutante team Ristozi FC, while Charleston won 2-1 against the UPSL team Florida Badgers FC.

A fresh face contributed to the Jacks’ Cup run as Thabo Nare, one of two South Georgia Tormenta players that are on short-term contracts with the Independence (the other being Jonathan Nyandjo, who was subbed on in the 56^th minute). When asked about his time with the Independence, Nare was all smiles.

“It was a little bit unexpected, but I signed a 25-day contract here about five days ago,” he said. Nare played the full game against Spokane Velocity FC in league play just one day after signing. “I didn’t expect to play as much as I have been, but honestly, I’m just excited to be back on the field with a good group of guys and a great coaching staff.”

Marou scored the sole goal in the first half, a left-footed shot assisted by Alvarez in the 37^th minute. Unfortunately, his game was cut short by injury in the 56^th minute. Alvarez kept the momentum going, scoring as play resumed, with Enzo Martinez getting the assist.

But Charleston Battery have overcome a 2-0 deficit this season already, and were ready to do it again. Landry slotted one in the bottom right of the net in the 70^th minute. This was quickly followed by an open-net goal walked in by Foster in the 77^th minute. It was the last goal either team saw in regular time.

Charleston’s Jeremy Kelly would earn his second yellow of the night in the eighth out of 13 minutes of stoppage time, forcing the Battery to go into extra time down a man. The two 15-minute halves might have felt like a slog, but neither team was willing to concede so easily. Each call was argued, players knowing that they couldn’t squander the possessions given to them, as the threat of a shootout lingered above them.

It was Ortiz who brought much needed relief to Charlotte, who crowded the young forward after his shot made it in.

“There are no words to describe how proud I am of this team and the fight we put out for 120 minutes,” said Charlotte’s captain, Clay Dimick. “Obviously, we went up 2-0 and it would have been nice to close it out 2-0, but to come back and get scored on twice, it shows that our mentality is everything this year.”

They’ll need that mentality to continue their undefeated status this season in league and cup play. Riddled with injuries, the Jacks are missing several key players. Head coach Mike Jeffries said that his players, “have a good spirit and we’ll fight through whatever.”

Charlotte will continue to the Round of 32, scheduled for the week of April 14-15. They will travel for their next USL League One game on Friday, April 3against New York Cosmos. Charleston Battery will travel for their next game as well on Saturday, April 4 against Louisville City FC.