The 103rd edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup kicks off today with 22 games taking place across the country. It was originally 23 games but late Tuesday evening, the North Texas Rayados were informed that they were disqualified.

Below, you will find links to our coverage on TheCup.us, as well as previews from all 22 games, including video and audio links where available. You can get all the latest updates from every game through Twitter, using the hashtag #USOC2016. Use that same hashtag on Instagram to share your US Open Cup-related photos.

#USOC2016 coverage:

* 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup schedule, results (video/audio links)

* 2016 US Open Cup bracket (TheCup.us)

* 2016 Meet the Underdogs series

* USSF’s new US Open Cup qualifying tournament has challenges to address after year one

* 2016 US Open Cup: Motor City rematch headlines most intriguing First Round games

* MLS-owned USL teams no longer eligible for 2016 US Open Cup, confirms USSF

* One is enough: NPSL champion New York Cosmos B withdraws from 2016 US Open Cup



* Support TheCup.us: New Del Rey City jerseys available for purchase

* Appreciate what we do at TheCup.us? Donate here

* TheCup.us is looking for writers/editors, graphics, WordPress gurus & people who can handle digital ad sales (paid position). Email us here

Twitter (#USOC2016) | Facebook | Instagram | Flickr | Reddit



Aromas Café (USASA) at Richmond Strikers (NPSL)

Striker Park, Glen Allen, VA – 5 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: NONE

Winner plays at the Richmond Kickers (USL) on May 18

Aromas Cafe Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Richmond Strikers Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

The first match of the evening features an intra-state matchup as Virginia teams Aromas Café, of Crozet, and the Richmond Strikers face off in Glen Allen, VA. This marks a high-water moment for Virginia soccer, as Aromas Café are the first USASA DC/VA team to qualify for the tournament not named the Aegean Hawks since 1996 (Mo’s Sport Shop).

Aromas got to this point by securing a 3-1 win over Tartan Devils Oak Avalon in the First Round of US Open Cup qualifying. The Tartan Devils were undefeated in the last two seasons of the Greater Pittsburgh Soccer League, but were bested by the USASA side from Crozet. In the Second Round of the tournament, the first-year entry from Virginia defeated the Aegean Hawks 3-1 to put themselves into the 103rd edition of the US Open Cup. Playing on the same field that he played his high school ball, Jake Van Yahres scored a pair of goals, and was involved in the third goal to lead the way to the club’s first Open Cup berth.

The Richmond Strikers are also making their Open Cup debut with a team name that is less than a month old. In April, Chesterfield United merged with the Richmond Strikers and took the club’s name. The Strikers qualified with a second place finish in the Mid-Atlantic Conference with a 5-2-3 record. They finished tied with Virginia Beach City FC for second place, but they won the tiebreaker to clinch a spot in the Open Cup. Their run in the NPSL playoffs was short-lived, falling 4-2 to New York Athletic Club in the opening round.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: AROMAS CAFE FC

————————————————-

Kraze United (NPSL) at The Villages SC (PDL)

The Villages Polo Field; The Villages, FL – 5 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (BELOW)

Winner plays at the Charleston Battery (USL)

Kraze United Open Cup records

Overall: 1-6-2 (1-1 PKs) | Away: 0-4-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. Amateur: 1-2-0

Last entry: 2013 (Lost to Wilmington Hammerheads in Round 1)

Best finish: 2014 Fourth Round (Lost 3-0 at Portland Timber of MLS)

The Villages SC Open Cup records

Overall: 1-2-1 (0-1 PKs) |Home: 0-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 1-0-1 (0-1 PKs)

Last entry: 2015 (Draw 1-1, Lost 5-3 in PK shootout at Chattanooga FC of NPSL)

Best finish: 2015 Second Round (Lost 2-1 at Orlando City SC of USL Pro)

LIVE VIDEO: KRAZE UNITED AT THE VILLAGES SC



A Florida battle will be brewing in the First Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup as two teams with new identities will square off. Kraze United (formerly the Orlando City U23s of the PDL) will be taking on The Villages SC (formerly Ocala Stampede) for the right to take on USL’s Charleston Battery in the Second Round of the tournament.

Kraze United have qualified for this tournament due to the awarding of an NPSL at-large spot given this tournament cycle, finishing in 10th place in the South region. After six Open Cup appearances without a win, United (then Orlando City U23s) finally tasted victory in their last tournament entry in 2014. They defeated Jacksonville United of the NPSL 2-1, followed by a stunning 12-11 PK shootout win against the Battery, in the longest penalty kick shootout in the Modern Era (14 rounds).

Meanwhile, The Villages SC are back in the tournament for the fourth year in a row, but are riding a three-game losing streak. Last year, they lost a 5-3 PK shootout to Chattanooga FC.

————————————————-

West Chester United (USASA) At Fredericksburg FC (NPSL)

UMW Battleground Stadium – Fredericksburg, VA – 5:30 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: NONE

Winner hosts Harrisburg City Islanders (USL) on May 18

West Chester United Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0

Last entry: First Entry

Best finish: First Entry

Fredericksburg FC Open Cup records

Overall: 0-1-0 | Home: 0-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 6-1 vs. Richmond Kickers of USL in Round 2)

Best finish: 2014 Second Round (Lost 6-1 vs. Richmond Kickers of USL)

Another USASA Open Division vs. NPSL battle moves the action to Virginia as Fredericksburg FC takes on West Chester United.

After four years of falling just short, West Chester United have finally qualified for their first US Open Cup and will face a Fredericksburg FC side who are making their second appearance in the tournament.

United, the defending USASA Werner Fricker Open Cup champions, punched their ticket with a pair of wins over Philadelphia-area teams (Junior Lone Star and Salone FC) in the open division qualifying tournament.

Under the name RVA FC, Fredericksburg FC lost their only Open Cup game 6-1 to the USL’s Richmond Kickers in 2014. They qualified for this year’s tournament by finishing as Mid-Atlantic Conference champions. FFC would fall in the Regional Semifinals of the NPSL playoffs, 1-0 to the Clarkstown SC Eagles, 1-0.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: WEST CHESTER UNITED

————————————————-

Atlanta Silverbacks (NPSL) at Reading United AC (PDL)

John Gorski Stadium; West Lawn, PA – 7 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (BELOW)

Winner plays at Chattanooga FC (NPSL) on May 18

Atlanta Silverbacks* Open Cup records

*The professional team with the same name folded

Overall: 0-1-0 | Away: 0-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0

Last entry: 2009 (Lost 2-0 at Charleston Battery of USL-1 in Round 1)

Best finish: 2009 Round 1

Reading United AC Open Cup records

AS PDL: 5-7-0 | Home: 5-2-0 | Away: 0-5-0 | vs. Amateur: 4-2-0

OVERALL: 5-9-0 | Home: 5-2-0 | Away: 0-7-0 | vs. Amateur: 4-1-0

Last entry: 2014, 1-0 home win vs. Maryland Bays, 3-0 home loss vs. Harrisburg City Islanders

Best finish: Third Round (2013, 2014)

LIVE VIDEO: ATLANTA SILVERBACKS AT READING UNITED AC



With the arrival of an MLS expansion side in Atlanta, the Silverbacks are “officially” no more. However, an amateur team (backed by local club United Futbol Academy and A+ Sports Management Group) has taken up the team name left behind the old NASL team (They were previously named the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves). They even field a women’s team in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). There’s still bitterness and resentment among former Silverbacks supporters in Atlanta, so look for this born-again group to be serious about carrying on the legacy of their predecessors.

The Silverbacks Reserves finished 8-2-0 last year, good for second in the Southeast Conference, which got them into the postseason. Their season would end in the conference final, falling to top seed Chattanooga FC 3-0.

Standing in their way is a well-seasoned Reading United team making a Modern Era record eighth straight US Open Cup appearance as an amateur side, all of them as a member of the Premier Development League (PDL). They’ve also won their last four Open Cup opening matches, so they won’t be just happy being in the tournament. They were barely able to keep their Open Cup streak going as they missed the PDL playoffs last year after finishing tied for third (8-3-3) in the Mid-Atlantic Division. They lost out on a tiebreaker with fellow Open Cup entry Jersey Express.

————————————————-

Jersey Express (PDL) At Clarkstown SC Eagles (NPSL)

Torne Valley Sports Complex; Hillburn, NY – 7 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: NONE

Winner plays winner of NY Pancyprian Freedoms/NY Red Bulls U23s

Jersey Express Open Cup records

Overall: 2-2-0 | Home: 2-1-0 | Away: 0-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 1-1-0

Last entry: 2015 (Lost 3-0 at NY Cosmos of NASL in Round 3)

Best finish: 2015 Third Round (Lost 3-0 at NY Cosmos of NASL)

Clarkstown SC Eagles Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Yet another chapter in the long running rivalry between New Jersey and New York will be written on Wednesday when Jersey Express take on their former in-state team, Clarkstown SC Eagles. For Clarkstown their first US Open Cup match could well be a difficult one against a Jersey Express side who has done well in the early rounds of the competition in the past.

Jersey Express are making their third straight Open Cup appearance and have fond memories of last year’s run. They shut out four-time Open Cup champion New York Greek Americans, 3-0, followed by a 1-0 upset of the USL’s New York Red Bulls 2. Their run would come to an end at the hands of the New York Cosmos (NASL), 3-0. Jersey finished the PDL season with an 8-3-3 record, tied with Reading United in the Mid-Atlantic Division, but they advanced to the postseason by way of a tiebreaker. They would advance to the Eastern Conference Final where they lost to the New York Red Bulls U23s.

The Clarktown Eagles won the Keystone Conference regular season championship with a 7-2-1 record. The Eagles advanced to the NPSL Regional Finals before falling to eventual champion New York Cosmos B, 2-0.

————————————————-

Myrtle Beach Mutiny (NPSL) at Charlotte Eagles (PDL)

Charlotte Eagles School; Charlotte, NC – 7 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (BELOW)

Charlotte Independence (USL) at Charlotte Eagles OR

Myrtle Beach Mutiny at Charlotte Independence (USL) on May 18

Myrtle Beach Mutiny Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0

Last entry: First Entry

Best finish: First Entry

Charlotte Eagles Open Cup records

Overall*: 10-12-0 | Home: 5-2-0 | Away: 5-10-0 | vs. Amateur: 8-1-0

Last entry: 2014 (AS USL TEAM: Lost 2-0 at Carolina RailHawks of NASL in Round 3)

Best finish: 2012 Quarterfinals (Lost 2-1 at Chivas USA of MLS)

* 1st US Open Cup appearance as amateur club

LIVE VIDEO: MYRTLE BEACH MUTINY AT CHARLOTTE EAGLES



Myrtle Beach Mutiny are making their first ever US Open Cup appearance after being founded in 2010 by Norwegian Trym Hogner, who sold the team to Coast FA, a local non-profit youth soccer organization. The South Carolina side should feel pretty confident heading into their first competitive match of 2016. They won the 2015 NPSL South Atlantic title and will look to carry that momentum into their first Open Cup experience. However, this is also a team that will likely be short on depth. The club’s website lists just 10 outfield players and two goalkeepers.

Myrtle Beach find themselves matched up against a very experienced Charlotte Eagles team, though this particular side is making their first appearance as an amateur team out of the PDL. In the past, the Eagles carried the USL banner into the Open Cup with them. Their best run came in 2012 when current MLS goalkeeper Clint Irwin first made a name for himself by helping his side win three straight road games, including a 2-0 win over MLS side FC Dallas, before ultimately falling to Chivas USA 2-1 in the Quarterfinals. Don’t be surprised if this group wins a game or two; they are the reigning PDL South Atlantic Division Champions and were one of two undefeated PDL teams (the other being Kitsap Pumas).

This North Carolina vs. South Carolina matchup should offer plenty of intrigue, especially with another Charlotte-based side (Charlotte Independence) waiting in the next round.

————————————————-

Boca Raton FC (USASA) at Miami Fusion FC (NPSL)

Broward College South Campus; Pembroke Pines, FL – 7 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (BELOW)

Winner plays at Wilmington Hammerheads (USL) on May 18

Boca Raton FC Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0

Last entry: First Entry

Best finish: First Entry

Miami Fusion FC Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0

Last entry: First Entry

Best finish: First Entry

LIVE VIDEO: BOCA RATON FC AT MIAMI FUSION FC



US Open Cup first-timers Boca Raton FC will be wishing they could’ve started this game months ago. The reigning American Premier Soccer League (APSL) champions beat league rivals Real Miami CF in a thrilling 2-1 extra time victory. Shadi Harb scored first in the 95th minute, only to see Real Miami equalize in the 119th minute. But Boca Raton’s Gabe Taboada wasn’t interested in going to penalty kicks and scored the game winner just moments later.

Their reward is another Miami-based side (there are so many these days). As you can guess by the name, this team was inspired by the former MLS expansion team that featured Carlos Valderrama among its ranks when it existed between 1998 and 2001. The Fusion have already played one NPSL game this season, defeating Miami United 5-0.

The Fusion won the Sunshine Conference regular season title with a 8-1-1 record, but they were one-and-done in the NPSL playoffs, losing 1-0 to Chattanooga FC.

These two teams squared off in the fall tournament, and according to Douglas Heizer from Boca Raton FC, they won each time they played.

The winner of this one takes a trip up north to North Carolina to take on the Wilmington Hammerheads.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: BOCA RATON FC

————————————————-

Cincinnati Dutch Lions (PDL) At Indy Eleven NPSL (NPSL)

Grand Park Championship Field; Westfield, IN – 7 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: ONLINE AUDIO (BELOW)

Winner plays at FC Cincinnati (USL) on May 18

Cincinnati Dutch Lions Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Indy Eleven NPSL Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

LIVE AUDIO: CINCINNATI DUTCH LIONS AT INDY ELEVEN NPSL



The formerly Indy Fire may have found their affiliate that works as they make their first-ever US Open Cup appearance under their new name, affiliated with Indy Eleven of the NASL. That allowed Indy to have a strong season in the NPSL last year under the name Indiana Fire. The club’s 7-2-3 record was just enough to sneak into the NPSL playoffs, finishing fourth in the very competitive Midwest Division. They made the most of their playoff run, upsetting No. 1 seed Madison 56ers and No. 3 seed AFC Cleveland before falling in the NPSL Semifinals to Chattanooga FC.

The Dutch Lions finished last season with an 8-5-1 which was good for second place in the South Atlantic Division. They lost their opening round playoff game, falling to division rival Charlotte Eagles 3-2.

————————————————-

Lansdowne Bhoys FC (USASA) at Long Island Rough Riders (PDL)

St. Anthony’s High School; South Huntington, NY – 7:30 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: ONLINE AUDIO (BELOW)

Winner plays at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL) on May 18

Lansdowne Bhoys FC Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0

Last entry: First Entry

Best finish: First Entry

Long Island Rough Riders Open Cup records

AS PDL: 3-4-0 | Home: 2-1-0 | Away: 1-3-0 | vs. Amateur: 3-0-0

OVERALL: 5-7-0 | Home: 3-2-0 | Away: 2-5-0 | vs. Amateur: 4-2-0

Last entry: 2015 (Lost 1-0 vs. Real Monarchs of USL in Round 2)

Best finish: 1997 Quarterfinals (as A-League team: Lost 1-0 ASDET vs. Metrostars of MLS)

LIVE AUDIO: LANSDOWNE BHOYS FC AT LONG ISLAND ROUGH RIDERS



Yonkers-based Lansdowne Bhoys are making their first-ever US Open Cup appearance, but don’t expect them to be afraid of the big stage. They currently find themselves one point ahead of fabled New York side Pancyprian Freedoms in the first division of the historic Cosmopolitan Soccer League. The Bhoys also won their Open Cup qualifiers handily, defeating Newtown Pride FC 3-0 in Round 1 before cruising to a 5-0 win over Worchester FC (Mass.) in the next round.

They’ll get a much bigger test this time as they take on a Long Island Rough Riders club making its eighth appearance all time. The Rough Riders have also won their last three Open Cup opening matches, including an impressive 3-1 win over Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) last year. This one should be close, though Long Island may be reeling just a bit from their 3-1 Eastern Conference first round loss against Jersey Express in the PDL playoffs.

The winner of this one will make the trek to western Pennsylvania to face the USL’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: LANSDOWNE BHOYS FC

————————————————-

NY Red Bulls U23s (PDL) at NY Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA)

Belson Stadium; Jamaica, NY – 7:30 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: NONE

Jersey Express/Clarkstown SC Eagles plays at Pancyprian Freedoms

OR NY Red Bulls U23s plays at Clarkstown

OR Jersey Express plays at NY Red Bulls U23s on May 18

NY Red Bulls U23s Open Cup records

Overall: 1-2-0 | Home: 1-0-0 | Away: 0-2-0

Last entry: 2014 as NPSL (Lost 3-1 at Pittsburgh Riverhounds of USL in Round 2)

Best finish: 2014 Second Round (Lost 3-1 at Pittsburgh Riverhounds of USL)

NY Pancyprian Freedoms Open Cup records

Overall (Modern Era): 3-4-1 (0-1 PKs) | Home: 2-0-1 (0-1 PKs) | Away: 1-4-0

Last entry: 2011, 2-1 win vs. Brooklyn Italians, 0-0 draw (lost 6-5 on PKs) vs. FC New York

Best finish: Champions (1980, 1982, 1983)

We highlighted this matchup in our list of first round games to watch for a reason.

The Red Bulls won the 2015 NPSL title, but then left the league to join the PDL. In their first season in the new league, they finished as Mid-Atlantic Division Champions with a 9-2-3 record. Although they lost in the PDL Final, the fact that they made it that far in their first season should give them some confidence going into this tournament.

Their opponents are no strangers to this tournament. NY Pancyprian Freedoms won the US Open Cup three times in the early 80s and even had some successful runs in old versions of the CONCACAF Champions League. These days, the Freedoms play in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League and are making their first appearance since 2011. This is their sixth appearance in the Modern Era.

Both teams will have one eye on the Jersey Express-Clarkstown SC Eagles matchup as the next round will feature the winners of both games.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: NY PANCYPRIAN FREEDOMS

————————————————-



Detroit City FC (NPSL) at Michigan Bucks (PDL)

Oakland Univ. Soccer Field; Rochester, MI – 7:30 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: NONE

Winner will play at Louisville City FC (USL) on May 18

Detroit City FC Open Cup records

Overall: 0-1-1 (0-1 PKs) | Home: 0-0-1 (0-1 PKs) | Away: 0-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-1-1 (0-1 PKs)

Last entry: 2015 (Lost 3-0 at Michigan Bucks of PDL in Round 1)

Best finish: First Round (2014, 2015)

Michigan Bucks Open Cup records

Overall: 13-11-1 (0-1 PKs) | Home: 9-8-1 (0-1 PKs) | Away: 4-3-0 | vs. Amateur: 4-2-0

Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-0 vs. Portland Timbers 2 of USL in Round 2)

Best finish: 2012 Fourth Round (Lost 2-1 in OT vs. Dayton Dutch Lions of USL Pro)

Few would argue this is the most compelling matchup of the First Round as two Metro Detroit rivals will square off for the second year in a row as the Michigan Bucks will host Detroit City FC. Last year, the Bucks had no trouble with City, winning 3-0 in front of a crowd dominated by DCFC fans despite playing at the Bucks’ home stadium in Pontiac, Mich.

The Bucks (11-1-2) qualified as Great Lakes Division champions, but they were eliminated in the Conference Finals by eventual champion K-W United, 3-1. They feature the Open Cup’s most impressive amateur resume, with numerous records including most wins (13), most wins over professional teams (9), and holding the distinction as the only amateur club to defeat two MLS teams (New England Revolution in 2000, Chicago Fire in 2012).

City finished 8-2-2, two points behind Midwest Region champion Madison 56ers. DCFC were one-and-done in the playoffs, losing to AFC Cleveland in the Regional Semifinals, 2-1.

————————————————-

Seacoast United Phantoms (PDL) at Southie FC (USASA)

Harry Della Russo Stadium; Rever, MA – 8 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: NONE

Winner plays at Rochester Rhinos (USL) on May 18

Seacoast United Phantoms Open Cup records

AS PDL: 1-1-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 1-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 1-0-0

OVERALL: 3-4-0 | Home: 2-1-0 | Away: 1-3-0 | vs. Amateur: 3-1-0

Last entry: 2015 (Lost 1-0 at Tulsa Roughnecks of USL in Round 2)

Best finish: Third Round (2003, 2006)

Southie FC Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0

Last entry: First Entry

Best finish: First Entry

Seacoast United made their first appearance as a PDL team in last year’s tournament and managed to beat amateur side GPS Massachusetts in Round 1, only to be ousted in the next round by the USL’s Tulsa Roughnecks. The Phantoms finished second in the Northeast Division of the PDL and lost in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against fellow Open Cup qualifiers GPS Portland Phoenix in a 2-1 overtime thriller.

Once again, the Portsmouth, New Hampshire side find themselves paired with an amateur club from Massachusettes; this time it’s Southie FC. Southie FC come to us from the Boston suburb of Tynsboro. They won their first round qualifier against Battery Park Gunners, despite both teams going down to 10 men on a double red in the 20th minute of the game. Their next qualifier was much more comfortable as they defeated GPS Omens by a score of 4-0, with UMASS-Amherst product Chris Stoker supplying the assist on three of the four goals.

The winner of this one heads over to New York to take on the USL’s Rochester Rhinos in the next round.

————————————————-

AFC Cleveland (NPSL) at GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL)

Deering High School; Portland, ME – 8 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: NONE

Winner plays at Saint Louis FC (USL) on May 18

AFC Cleveland Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Home” 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0

Last entry: First Entry

Best finish: First Entry

GPS Portland Phoenix Open Cup records

Overall: 1-3-0 | Home: 1-2-0 | Away: 0-1-0

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 1-0 in OT vs. FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic of NPSL)

Best finish: 2013 Second Round (Lost 1-0 at Rochester Rhinos of USL)

AFC Cleveland are making their first-ever appearance in the US Open Cup, but it’s not the first time they’ve qualified. They were invited back in 2013, but were forced to decline due to a lack of player availability. The club has a solid reputation at the youth levels and they’ll be anxious to show what the adults can do after they made it to the NPSL regional final last season before falling to Indiana Fire 3-1.

Their opponents certainly have plenty of experience of the tournament. GPS Portland Phoenix made history in 2012 as the first team from Maine to ever enter the tournament. They qualified in 2013 and 2014 until falling short of qualifying in 2015. In 2013, they earned their first Open Cup win, defeating Massachusetts amateur side Mass Premier Soccer by a score of 2-0.

The winner of this game will be “rewarded” with a trip to St. Louis, Missouri to take on the USL’s Saint Louis FC in the next round.

————————————————-

CD Motagua of New Orleans (USASA) at Mississippi Brilla (PDL)

Traceway Park; Clinton, MS – 8 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: VIDEO

Winner plays at Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL) on May 18

CD Motagua of New Orleans Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Mississippi Brilla Open Cup records

Overall: 0-2-0 | Away: 0-2-0

Last entry: 2012 – Lost 1-0 in the First Round to the Georgia Revolution of the NPSL.

Best finish: First Round (2009, 2012)

LIVE VIDEO: CD MOTAGUA OF NOLA AT MISSISSIPPI BRILLA



Two-time defending Louisana Premier League champions CD Motagua of New Orleans have already made history by becoming the first amateur team from Louisiana to qualify for the Open Cup in the Modern Era (1995-present).

But they’ll look to stake their claim as a regional power when they face fellow Southern side Mississippi Brilla in the first round.

Only having to play one qualifying game to get into the tournament, a 5-2 win over Queen City United FC, little is known about the 22-year-old side other than that they sport a distinctively Honduran flavor on their roster.

In contrast, the PDL’s Brilla look the more notable of the two sides, having won the PDL Mid South Division championship in 2015 with a 6-3-3 record.

In their two previous Open Cup appearances (2009, 2012) they were shutout on the road. Mississippi are seeking their first-ever Open Cup win in what also will be their first-ever home game on Wednesday.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: CD MOTAGUA OF NEW ORLEANS

————————————————-

Des Moines Menace (PDL) At FC Wichita (NPSL)

Stryker Soccer Complex, Wichita, KS 8:05PM (EST)

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (BELOW)

Winner will host Tulsa Roughnecks (USL) on May 18

Des Moines Menace Open Cup records

Overall: 10-8-1 (1-0 PKs) | Home: 6-3-1 (1-0 PKs) | Away: 4-5-0 | vs. Amateur: 5-1-0

Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-1 in OT at Saint Louis FC of USL in Round 2)

Best finish: 2005 Fourth Round (Lost 6-1 at KC Wizards of MLS)

FC Wichita Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

LIVE VIDEO: DES MOINES MENACE AT FC WICHITA



It was their debut season in 2015 for FC Wichita in the NPSL and it was an incredible first season as they won their conference after a strong season with an 11-3-0 record. Team officials claim FC Wichita is the first club from the city to qualify for the US Open Cup and they will have their hands full for their tournament debut.

They will face off with the Des Moines Meance. Few amateur teams have a better Open Cup resume than the Menace. Their 10 wins in the tournament is second only to the Michigan Bucks and only the Bucks (9) have more pro team upsets than the Menace (6). They qualified by winning another Heartland Division title with an 11-2-1 record. Only one team had fewer goals allowed than Des Moines’ seven they let in during the 14-game regular season.

————————————————-

Harpos FC (USSSA) at Albuquerque Sol FC (PDL)

St. Pius X High School; Albuquerque NM – 8:30 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: VIDEO

Winner hosts Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL) on May 18

Harpos FC Open Cup records

Overall: 1-1-1 | Away: 0-1-1 | vs. Amateur: 1-0-1 (1-0 PKs)

Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-1 at Colorado Springs Switchbacks of USL in Round 2)

Best finish: 2015 Second Round (Lost 2-1 at Colorado Switchbacks of USL)

Albuquerque Sol FC Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

LIVE VIDEO: HARPO’S FC AT ALBUQUERQUE SOL



After a strong three-game run to the Second Round in 2015, the sole United States Specialty Sports Association entry Harpo’s FC are back for the second consecutive year.

The Boulder, Col.-based side defeated two in-state teams in the open division qualifying tournament, scoring seven goals and allowing just two to book their ticket back to the tournament. They will have a tough First Round opponent in first-time qualifier Albuquerque Sol FC from the PDL.

In just their second season as a PDL franchise, the Sol finished second in the Mountain Division with an 8-3-3 record to qualify for the Open Cup. There hasn’t been a New Mexico team in the tournament since 1997 when the A-League’s Albuquerque Geckos were one-and-done in their only tournament appearance.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: HARPO’S FC

————————————————-

Burlingame Dragons (PDL) at Sacramento Gold (NPSL)

Capital Christian High School, Sacramento, CA – 10:00pm ET

BROADCAST: NONE

Winner plays the winner of the Portland Timbers U-23 and La Maquina FC on May 18

Sacramento Gold Open Cup records

Overall: 0-1-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-1-0

Last entry: 2013 (Lost 3-2 at Portland Timbers U23s of PDL in Round 1)

Best finish: 2013 First Round

Burlingame Dragons Open Cup records

Overall: 0-1-0 | Away: 0-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-1-0

Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-1 in OT at Sonoma County Sol of NPSL in Round 1)

Best finish: 2015 First Round (Lost 2-1 in OT at Sonoma County Sol of NPSL)

Traditionally strong NPSL side Sacramento Gold will have its hands full when it hosts defending PDL Southwest Division champion Burlingame Dragons at Capital Christian High School.

The Dragons are already 2-0 in their PDL season after strong wins last Friday and Sunday, respectively and expect to make an early run in the Open Cup after a heartbreaking loss to fellow Bay Area side Sonoma County Sol last year in the club’s tournament debut.

Meanwhile, the 2010 NPSL national champion Gold are making their first appearance in the tournament in three years and are already off to a 5-2 start that has seen them score 13 goals in their first four home games.

Both sides are looking for their first win in the competition.

————————————————-

Los Angeles Wolves (USASA) at Ventura County Fusion (PDL)

Ventura College Sportsplex; Ventura, CA – 10 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: NONE

Winner plays at Orange County Blues (USL) on May 18

Los Angeles Wolves Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Ventura County Fusion Open Cup records

Overall: 6-5-2 | Home: 3-3-2 (1-1 PKs) | Away: 3-2-0 | vs. Amateur: 4-1-2 (1-1 PKs)

Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-1 vs. PSA Elite of USASA in Round 3)

Best finish: Third Round (2012, 2015)

An Open Cup juggernaut meets an upstart in this Southern Californian clash.

The Los Angeles Wolves had a great season last year. They finished the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) with a 20-0-1 record, was runner-up in the league playoffs and knocked off tournament darling Cal FC in Open Cup qualifying. For their first-ever tournament game, they face one of the PDL’s most successful Open Cup teams in Ventura County Fusion.

The Fusion fell one point short of winning the Southwest Division title. The team that won the division, Burlingame Dragons, were their opening round opponent in the playoffs and the Dragons prevailed, 1-0. The Fusion are making their seventh consecutive appearance in the tournament, the second longest streak among amateur clubs in the Modern Era. Ventura has won its last five opening games in the tournament, also a Modern Era record, en route to a 6-5-2 record that has seen them qualify for the Third Round twice (2012, 2015).

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: LOS ANGELES WOLVES FC

————————————————-

San Nicolas FC (USASA) at FC Tucson (PDL)

Capital Christian High School; Sacramento, CA – 10 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO

Winner plays the winner of the Portland Timbers U-23 and La Maquina FC on May 18

San Nicolas FC Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

FC Tucson Open Cup records

Overall: 1-2-1 (1-0 PKs) | Home: 1-1-0 | Away: 0-1-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. Amateur: 0-1-0

Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-1 in OT vs. Chula Vista FC of USASA in Round 1)

Best finish: 2013 Third Round (Lost 2-0 at Houston Dynamo of MLS)

FC Tucson could say that they hope the third time in the US Open Cup is the charm, but they have already had eye-catching performances in past tournaments.

The team qualified for the 2013 US Open Cup after a strong debut season in the PDL. FC Tucson opened the tournament with a win against Phoenix FC, a USL side. In that match, they got an inspiring performance from Connor Bevans, who had just flown back to Tucson hours before to join his team after a family emergency and scored two goals in the waning moments of the match.

The team beat one more professional side, the now-defunct San Antonio Scorpions. That won FC Tucson the chance all PDL and amateur sides pray for in the Open Cup: the chance to play against an MLS team, facing off with the Houston Dynamo. But even though the match ended in a 2-0 loss, FC Tucson were one of only three PDL teams to make it that far that year.

They hoped to repeat that performance in 2015, but a surprisingly strong performance from amateur side Chula Vista FC knocked FC Tucson out of the tournament in the first round after an extra time loss.

San Nicolas is taking part in their first US Open Cup but they bring a strong resume from the United Premier Soccer League. They won the league title by defeating fellow Open Cup qualifier LA Wolves FC in the championship game. They have also been a finalist in the prestigious Las Vegas Silver Mug tournament, winning the competition three years in a row (2011-13) and losing in penalty kicks in 2014. They feature a number of experienced players, headlined by former Chivas USA, Cuban international Maykel Galindo.

You can read more about each club at the links below.

PREVIEW: FC TUCSON

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: SAN NICOLAS FC

————————————————-

CD Aguiluchos USA (NPSL) at San Francisco City FC (USCS)

Beach Chalet No. 4; San Francisco, CA – 10 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: ONLINE AUDIO (BELOW)

Winner plays at Sacramento Republic FC (USL) on May 18

CD Aguiluchos USA Open Cup records

Overall: 0-1-0 | Away: 0-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-1-0

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 2-1 at Ventura County Fusion of PDL in Round 1)

Best finish: 2014 First Round (Lost 2-1 at Ventura County Fusion of PDL)

San Francisco City Open Cup records

Overall: 0-1-0 | Home: 0-1-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-1-0

Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-1 vs. Cal FC of USASA in Prelim. Round)

Best finish: 2015 Preliminary Round (Lost 2-1 vs. Cal FC of USASA)

LIVE AUDIO: CD AGUILUCHOS USA AT SAN FRANCISCO CITY FC



A pair of Bay Area squads are looking for their first Open Cup wins Wednesday when San Francisco City hosts CD Aguiluchos USA.

The Oakland-based visitors, who represent the Bay Area Salvadorian community, feature a strong side packed with Salvadorian ex-pats.

San Francisco enters the tournament as the only US Club Soccer squad, but have made the jump to the PDL since qualifying.

City added a huge piece in the offseason when they picked up former Sacramento Republic FC striker Adnan Gabeljic, who quit fully professional soccer to pursue a degree in engineering in San Francisco, but decided not to give the game up for good.

Should City win, Gabeljic could be back at his old stomping grounds in Bonney Field, as the winner of this game will travel to the capital of California to take on the Republic.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: SAN FRANCISCO CITY FC

————————————————-

La Maquina FC (USASA) at Portland Timbers U23s (PDL)

Providence Park; Portland, OR – 10:30 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: TBA

Winner hosts winner of Burlingame Dragons / Sacramento Gold on May 18

La Maquina FC Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Portland Timbers U23s Open Cup records

Overall: 1-3-0 | Home: 1-3-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 1-1-0

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 3-2 vs. Arizona United SC of USL Pro in Round 1)

Best finish: 2013 Second Round (Lost 1-0 vs. Charleston Battery of USL Pro)

Newcomers La Maquina of the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) will likely come into their first-ever US Open Cup match well-rested. In December, during the UPSL playoffs, they were involved in a post-game brawl against fellow Open Cup qualifier San Nicolas which resulted in La Maquina getting banned for the entire spring season. The talented squad finished 16-5-0 in the winter season, which was good for second place behind the LA Wolves.

They entered the open division qualifying tournament and defeated the summer season’s Southeast Division champion Strikers FC 3-2, which earned them what turned out to be a “Win & You’re In” match against Chula Vista FC, who made some noise last year with an upset of Arizona United (USL). La Maquina cruised past them 4-0 as Edgar Orozco dished out three assists, including two of them to former Chivas de Guadalajara player Edwin Borboa.

They will have to travel far for their Open Cup debut, as the Portland Timbers U23s welcome them to Providence Park. The Timbers qualified for the tournament with a second place finish (6-2-4) in the Northwest Division. They would fall to the Sounders U23s in the Western Conference opener 4-1.

This will mark the fourth time in the last five years that the Timbers PDL side has qualified for the tournament. Although out of their three previous appearance, they have only managed one win (vs. Sacramento Gold of NPSL in 2013 First Round).

————————————————-

Outbreak SC (USASA) at Seattle Sounders U23s (PDL)

Panther Stadium (Bonney Lake HS); Bonney Lake, WA – 10:30 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: NONE

Winner plays at Kitsap Pumas (PDL) on May 18

Outbreak SC Open Cup records

Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Seattle Sounders U23s Open Cup records

Overall: 1-1-0 | Home: 1-0-0 | Away: 0-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 1-0-0

Last entry: 2013 (Lost 3-0 at Charlotte Eagles of USL Pro in Round 2)

Best finish: 2013 Second Round (Lost 3-0 at Charlotte Eagles of USL Pro)

The Seattle Sounders U23s are back in the US Open Cup for the first time since making their debut in 2013. That year, after crushing Southern California club Doxa Italia, they had to make a cross-country trip to take on the Charlotte Eagles. They would fall 3-0. But they are back after winning the very competitive Northwest Division with a 7-4-1 record and advancing to the National Semifinals where they lost to eventual champion K-W United 1-0.

Outbreak SC will make the long trip to Washington from Southern California for their first Open Cup game. The So Cal Premier League club finished in second place in the majors division last season and used that momentum to pick up two wins in the open division qualifying tournament. They blew past Buena Park FC in Round 1, followed up by an exciting 4-3 extra time win over the San Pedro Monsters that clinched them a spot in the tournament. This is a true amateur team, but one that’s filled with talent. You can read more about them below.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: OUTBREAK SC