Aside from the championship game, one could argue the Fourth Round, when all US-based Major League Soccer teams enter the competition, is the highlight of the tournament. If that’s true, then that would make the Third Round, the second most important round because every winner earns a date with a MLS team.

There’s so much on the line with all 15 games on Wednesday night with North American Soccer League (NASL) clubs making their first appearance in the 102nd edition of the US Open Cup.

The Third Round begins early with a 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) kick off for the Seattle Sounders 2 hosting the Portland Timbers 2.

You can follow all the Round 2 action tonight on Twitter with the hashtag #USOC2015.

MORE LINKS:

Things you should know about Round 3

Notable upsets in Round 3 (Modern Era)

2015 US Open Cup bracket

2015 US Open Cup Schedule/Results

2015 Meet the Underdogs series

2015 stat leaders

Alberto Diaz of Chula Vista wins TheCup.us Player of the Round | Past winners

The First Cup series (1913/14)

TheCup.us 2.0 launches | The origin of TheCup.us

Twitter (#USOC2015) | Facebook | Flickr | Reddit

A brief look at all 15 of Wednesday’s games are below the live video:

More video:

LIVE VIDEO: Jacksonville Armada at Richmond Kickers

LIVE VIDEO: Jersey Express at New York Cosmos

LIVE VIDEO: Oklahaoma City Energy at Tulsa Roughnecks



LIVE VIDEO: Atlanta Silverbacks at Chattanooga FC



LIVE VIDEO: Colorado Springs Switchbacks at Real Monarchs



LIVE VIDEO: Minnesota United at Saint Louis FC



LIVE VIDEO: Tampa Bay Rowdies at Pittsburgh Riverhounds



LIVE VIDEO: Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Charleston Battery



LIVE VIDEO: PSA Elite at Ventura County Fusion



LIVE VIDEO: Chula Vista FC at Sacramento Republic



Portland Timbers 2 (USL) at Seattle Sounders 2 (USL)

Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, WA – 4 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (SEE BELOW)

Winner plays at Real Salt Lake (MLS) on June 17

Portland Timbers 2 Open Cup records

Overall: 1-0-0 | Away: 1-0-0 | vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0

Last entry: First entry (2015)

Best finish: First entry (2015)

Seattle Sounders 2 Open Cup records

Overall: 1-0-0 | Home: 1-0-0 | vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0

Last entry: First entry (2015)

Best finish: First entry (2015)

LIVE VIDEO: Timbers 2 at Sounders 2



By Randall Hauk

S2T2 is not a new robotic character from the upcoming addition to the Star Wars films.

Instead, it is shorthand for Wednesday’s battle between Seattle Sounders 2 and Portland Timbers 2 in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The two USL sides are natural-born rivals, as just the latest in a series of franchises that have shared the “Seattle Sounders” and “Portland Timbers” identities. The rivalry dates back to 1975, when the Portland Timbers were founded to join the NASL. The parent clubs of the two midweek cup combatants revived the franchises in the United Soccer Leagues (USL) and have enjoyed a heated resumption of antipathy toward one another since they both joined MLS.

If that’s not enough for these two newly-founded teams, perhaps the contempt that comes with familiarity will provide some assistance. The two met just Friday night in the league debut of the rivalry, with visiting S2 snatching an 2-0 win at Portland’s Merlo Field before 3,000-plus fans.

It was the first time T2 had lost at home all season, while also S2’s first road win of their inaugural season.

Seattle will be looking to take a decisive early lead in this Cascadia rivalry by dispatching Portland from the tournament. S2 also claimed victory in the debut fixture of the fledgling rivalry, using an 88th minute Giuliano Frano goal to complete a 2-1 comeback victory in mid-April league action.

Timbers 2 would certainly love to exact a measure of revenge on Seattle by breaking S2’s own unblemished home record and advancing at their host’s expense.

Portland reached the Third Round of Open Cup action on the strength of a 2-0 road victory over the PDL’s Michigan Bucks. Seth Casiple provided service for both goals, setting-up Kharlton Belmar for the game-winner and Fatawu Safiu for the injury-time clincher.

Belmar is currently tied for third on the USL goal-scoring leaders list with five goals.

Among the several players deadlocked at five goals in that scoring race is Seattle forward Andy Craven, who got his fifth Friday night at the expense of T2. Like Belmar, Craven also collected a goal in his club’s second-round victory last week, when he chipped Kitsap Pumas SC keeper Matt Grosey in midfield and then casually collected the ball to finish the scoring in S2’s 4-2 overtime win.

Pablo Rossi, though, was the big story for S2’s second-round win, getting two goals on the night, including the game-winner from a direct free kick just a few minutes into overtime.

Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. Wednesday afternoon at Starfire Stadium (4,500 seat capacity). The early fixture was scheduled to avoid conflict with the Wednesday night MLS match between Seattle Sounders FC and Colorado Rapids.

Rochester Rhinos (USL) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL)

Skyline Sports Complex – Harrisburg, PA – 7 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: NONE

Winner plays at Philadelphia Union (MLS) on June 16

Rochester Rhinos Open Cup records

Overall: 33-16-5 (3-2 PKs) | Away: 3-9-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. Div. 3: 8-0-1 (1-0)

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 2-1 at New England Revolution of MLS in Round 4)

Best finish: 1999 US Open Cup champions

Harrisburg City Islanders Open Cup records

Overall: 15-7-3 (2-1 PKs) | Home: 10-1-3 (2-1 PKs) | vs. Div. 3: 0-1-2 (1-1 PKs)

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 3-1 in OT at Philadelphia Union of MLS in Round 4)

Best finish: Quarterfinals (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012)

By Michael Berton

As the only USL team to win the US Open Cup since MLS teams started competing, the Rochester Rhinos know a thing or two about giant slaying. Before getting a shot at an MLS team in the 2015 tournament, they’ll have to get past the Harrisburg City Islanders first.

Rochester won the Open Cup in 1999—the last non-MLS team to win the tournament. Since then, they have registered more upsets and now hold an overall 32-16-5 record in the Open Cup. Rochester has found success in league play this year as well. They are currently undefeated at 6-0-4, which is good for first in the USL Eastern Conference. In the last round, the Rhinos avoided an upset of their own by beating the NPSL’s Greater Binghamton FC Thunder 1-0.

The Harrisburg City Islanders won’t be easy to beat however. After a slow start in league play, the City Islanders have won three games in a row to move up to fifth in the Eastern Conference. During that run, they also beat Reading United 3-0 in Round Two of the Open Cup.

Harrisburg is also no stranger to Open Cup success. They have eliminated five MLS teams since their Open Cup debut in 2007 and have reached the Quarterfinals four times (2007, 2009, 2010, and 2012), which ranks just behind the Rhinos who have five round of eight appearances in their history. Last year they made it to Round 4, where they fell to the Philadelphia Union in overtime 3-1.

The Union will be the opponent for the winner of this match-up. That game will take place in Philadelphia on June 16.

Jacksonville Armada (NASL) at Richmond Kickers (USL)

Richmond City Stadium; Richmond, VA – 7 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO

Winner will host Columbus Crew (MLS) on June 17

Jacksonville Armada Open Cup records

Overall: N/A (First entry)

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Richmond Kickers Open Cup records

Overall: 27-14-2 (1-1 PKs) | Home: 21-5-1 (0-1 PKs) | vs. Div. 2: 3-2-0

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 3-2 vs. New England Revolution of MLS in Round 4)

Best finish: 1995 US Open Cup champions

By Scott Wyant

Wednesday’s Third Round matchup in the US Open Cup between the Richmond Kickers and Jacksonville Armada FC will feature something old and something new.

Richmond has participated in 17 US Open Cups to date, finishing as tournament champions in 1995. On the other side Jacksonville Armada FC in its inaugural season will be participating in its first Open Cup match in Richmond at City Stadium.

The Kickers will be playing its second game in the tournament when they welcome the NASL side on Wednesday. Richmond bested NPSL club Virginia Beach City FC 2-0 last Wednesday, getting goals from Nate Shiffman and Jason Yeisley.

Jacksonville will be playing its first match in the tournament after receiving a double-bye into Round 3. The NASL club is off to a hot start in league play at 3-3-1 and sits fourth in the table. In league play Jacksonville has scored 12 goals the third highest team total in NASL action. Five different players account for all 12 goals, with Jemal Johnson and Alhassane Keita leading the way at three goals apiece. Jacksonville Armada FC also has a major asset in goal, with veteran goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo having the fifth best goals against average (1.33) in the NASL.

At 4-2-4 the Kickers are fourth in USL’s Eastern Conference. Richmond has been tough to score on as well as their trio of talented goalkeepers boast a combined 1.10 goals against average in league play.

The USL side also possesses a versatile attack, with four players providing multiple goals in league action. Veteran Matthew Delicate’s five goals is the third best total in the USL.

Whichever side takes Wednesday’s contest in Richmond will play host to MLS side, Columbus Crew on June 17.

Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL)

Highmark Stadium; Pittsburgh, PA – 7 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO

Winner will host DC United (MLS) on June 17

Tampa Bay Rowdies Open Cup records

Overall: 4-4-0 | Away: 3-3-0 | vs. Div. 3: 1-1-0

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 4-1 at Orlando City SC of USL PRO in Round 3)

Best finish: 2013 Fourth Round (Lost 2-0 at Portland Timbers of MLS)

Pittsburgh Riverhounds Open Cup records

Overall: 8-10-3 (1-2 PKs) | Home: 6-2-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. Div. 2: 1-3-1 (0-1 PKs)

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 2-1 at Chicago Fire of MLS in Round 4)

Best finish: 2001 Quarterfinals (Lost 3-2 in OT at Chicago Fire of MLS)

LIVE VIDEO: Tampa Bay Rowdies at Pittsburgh Riverhounds



By John Krysinsky

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Tampa Bay Rowdies will meet in a USL-vs-NASL clash in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

The Riverhounds advanced in the Open Cup with a 3-0 win over the West Virginia Chaos in the second round last week, thanks to goals by Rob Vincent, Lebo Moloto and Kevin Kerr. Vincent and Moloto’s goals came 36 seconds apart beginning in the 9th minute.

Vincent (six goals, four assists) and Kerr (four goals, four assists) have led one of the highest scoring teams in the USL. The Riverhounds have scored 19 goals in nine matches. On Saturday, Pittsburgh (3-3-3 USL record) earned its first road win of the year in USL action, holding on to defeat the Richmond Kickers, 2-1 at City Stadium.

The Rowdies, who haven’t played since May 16, are unbeaten in their last four NASL matches, last securing a 1-0 win over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Through seven games, the Rowdies sit in second place in the NASL, with Minnesota, trailing the undefeated New York Cosmos. The Rowdies feature a balanced attack (Martin Nunez and Maicon Santos lead team with two goals each) as Georgi Hristov is the key set up man in the midfield, with a team high three assists. With three clean sheets, the Rowdies will likely present a stingy defense that will look to thwart the quick strike capability of the Riverhounds.

The Riverhounds boast two former Rowdies on their current roster, Jamaican international goalkeeper Ryan Thompson and defender Willie Hunt.

At stake for both teams, will be an opportunity to host a Fourth Round match against Major League Soccer’s DC United, the 2013 Open Cup Champs.

Vincent, who grew up watching the FA Cup in his home country of England, in his third year playing for Pittsburgh, said that he looks forward to Open Cup competition.

“I love it. It gives the smaller teams a chance to play against the bigger clubs,” said Vincent. “It’s a great format. We definitely want to make a run of it. We want to play MLS teams. We want to go as a far as we can,” said Vincent.

Rowdies coach Thomas Rongen coached DC United to the MLS Cup in 1999. The Riverhounds are coached by USL Hall of Famer Mark Steffens, who is in his first year in Pittsburgh, having previously won over 200 games for the Charlotte Eagles, leading them to the USL finals nine different times.

Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Chattanooga FC (NPSL)

Findley Stadium; Chattanooga, TN – 7:30 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (SEE BELOW)

Winner will play at New York Red Bulls (MLS) on June 16

Atlanta Silverbacks Open Cup records

Overall: 10-10-2 (1-1 PKs) | Away: 5-6-2 (1-1 PKs) | vs. Amateur: 5-3-1 (1-0 PKs)

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 3-1 vs. Chicago Fire of MLS in Quarterfinals)

Best finish: Quarterfinals (1995, 2014)

Chattanooga FC Open Cup records

Overall: 1-2-2 (1-1 PKs) | Away: 0-1-1 (0-1 PKs) | vs. Div. 3: 1-1-0

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 5-0 vs. Atlanta Silverbacks of NASL in Round 3)

Best finish: 2014 Fourth Round (Lost 5-0 vs. Atlanta Silverbacks of NASL)

LIVE VIDEO: Atlanta Silverbacks at Chattanooga FC



By David Walker

In a rematch of last year’s Third Round match, the Atlanta Silverbacks make the two hour drive up I-75 to face amateur upstarts Chattanooga FC at Finley Stadium. This time Atlanta makes the trip without Eric Wynalda, whose role as Technical Director ended after last season, and instead bring MLS Cup Finalist and Martin O’Neil disciple Gary Smith.

Atlanta’s season so far has been a story of draws. Five on the season against one win and two losses see them seventh out of 11 in the second division NASL. No individual player has more than two goals so far, with forwards Kyle Porter and Shaka Bangura, along with midfielder Jonathan Okafor getting the bulk of minutes and more than half the goals in attack.

Former Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Steward Ceus has shared duties with local product CJ Cochran, who is from nearby Alpharetta and was a standout player at Georgia State. With only eight goals conceded in the first eight games, Atlanta is tied for third in that category in the NASL.

There aren’t many Open Cup bright spots in the Silverbacks’ history books, but that changed last year with a run to the Quarterfinals. They are hoping to build on that after reaching the round of eight for the first time since 1995 when they were known as the Atlanta Ruckus in the A-League. After back-to-back wins over MLS teams (Real Salt Lake and Colorado Rapids) they fell short against the Chicago Fire 3-1. If they can improve on that finish, they would be the first Georgia team to reach the final four since 1981 (Datagraphics).

Last year’s NPSL runners-up Chattanooga are perfect for 2015, sporting a 3-0 in the South Region and a goal differential of plus-9 (10 scored, 1 conceded). In the Cup, CFC have defeated Ocala Stampede of the PDL and, for the second year running, professional side Wilmington Hammerheads of USL Pro.

Chattanooga are once again anchored by two Englishmen, leading scorer Luke Winter and goalkeeper Gregory Hartley, both of whom have been named Player of the Round by TheCup.US. Hartley earned the honor by shutting down Ocala Stampede in a shootout in this year’s first round; Winter was named in the 2nd Round of last year’s tournament after scoring a brace against Wilmington.

Charlotte Independence (USL) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)

WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, NC – 7:30 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: NONE

Winner will play at New England Revolution (MLS) on June 17.

Charlotte Independence Open Cup records

Overall: 1-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A

Best finish: N/A

Carolina RailHawks Open Cup records

Overall: 15-6-2 (1-1 PKs) | Home: 15-3-2 (1-1 PKs) | vs. Div. 3: 5-1-1 (0-1 PKs)

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 5-2 vs. FC Dallas of MLS in Quarterfinals)

Best finish: 2007 Semifinals (Lost 2-1 in OT at New England Revolution of MLS)

By Zach Hall

It’s only been a few months since these teams last played each other in a preseason friendly, a 1-0 win for the Independence, but fate and the proximity to one another has brought them back together for a Round 3 US Open Cup match up. The winner will move on to play the New England Revolution and the possibility of going up against big time US National Team players like Jermaine Jones, Lee Nguyen and Juan Agudelo.

The two North Carolina teams come into tournament play with similar regular season results – the Railhawks are sitting on 10 points in eight games and the Independence have nine points on the same amount. Both are coming off of weekend matches they can be happy with – the Railhawks topped Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 1-0 and Charlotte traveled to Charleston and played to a 1-1 draw after going down a man late in the game.

The Railhawks have always taken the US Open Cup seriously and have played spoiler to many top flight teams in the past; beating both Chivas USA and the LA Galaxy last year before falling in the Quaterfinals to FC Dallas. This year should be no different for the team from the Triangle, as they’ll look to fell their newest in-state rival in Charlotte. The RailHawks kept several key players from their cup run last year, but they’re also relying on several new players into the fold that have found success in Cary – defender Wes Knight and midfielder Neil Hlavaty are new signings to the club and also lead the team in minutes played this season. One player leading the club so far this season is not a stranger at all to the Railhawk team – midfielder Tiyi Shipalane has three goals and three assists in his eight games played this season. Shipalane is no stranger to the tournament either, having played at the amateur level with the Michigan Bucks and also winning TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament in 2013 while with Carolina.

There are a few Charlotte players that Railhawks fans should be familiar with too. Brothers Enzo and Alex Martinez both saw time with the NASL side in the past two years before signing with their hometown club in Charlotte during the 2015 preseason. Enzo has already opened his Open Cup account with a goal and an assist in Charlotte’s 4-1 victory over Upward Stars FC of the NPSL last week. Against the Stars, head coach Mike Jefferies opted to use mostly rotation and backup players to start the game, but against higher competition and no game this upcoming weekend, more usual starters could be used against the RailHawks. The home side doesn’t have that luxury unfortunately, with an away trip to Jacksonville on the horizon Saturday and the perceived lower competition of playing a USL side midweek, longtime Railhawks coach Conor Clarke could give players like Shiplane, Knight and Hlavaty a rest and instead give bench players like Chris Nurse, Blake Wagner and Dzenan Catic the start on Wednesday.

Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) at Charleston Battery (USL)

Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, SC – 7:30 p.m. ET

Stadium Journey review: Blackbaud Stadium

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (SEE BELOW)

If Charleston wins … they host Orlando City SC (MLS) on June 16

If Ft. Lauderdale wins … they play at Orlando City SC (MLS) on June 16

Fort Lauderdale Strikers Open Cup records

Overall: 6-7-2 (1-1 PKs) | Away: 0-4-1 | vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 3-2 vs. Laredo Heat of PDL in Third Round)

Best finish: Third Round (2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014)

Charleston Battery Open Cup records

Overall: 27-13-5 (3-2 PKs) | Home: 22-6-4 (2-2 PKs) | vs. Div. 2: 5-0-1 (1-0 PKs)

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 2-2, 12-11 in PKs vs. Orlando City U23s of PDL in Round 3)

Best finish: 2008 Runner-Up

LIVE VIDEO: Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Charleston Battery



By Corbin Ensminger

The Charleston Battery can’t afford to get tired now. They will host the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the NASL on Wednesday in the Third Round of the US Open Cup, and it will be the fifth game in 13 days for the home team. One of those games was a Second Round cup meeting with Miami United of the National Premier Soccer League. which they won 1-0, but struggled to put the game away. They also lost one of their most dangerous scorers in Heviel Cordoves who was sent off after shoving a Miami player late in the second half.

Goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper was a late scratch from Charleston’s roster for Saturday’s game against the Charlotte Independence, so it remains to be seen if he will play Wednesday. Coach Mike Anhaeuser said the starting keeper aggravated an injury and it was not worth the risk. If he can’t go, expect to see Kevin Corby, who has made two starts this season.

Charleston, which is in second place in the USL Eastern Conference, has to play Wilmington at home on Saturday, so it’s another short week for the Battery. The team has always taken the Cup seriously, but Anhaeuser will have to figure out how to have fresh players for both games.

Fort Lauderdale sits in ninth place in the 11-team NASL with a record of 2-1-4. Their last win came on April 25 against the Ottawa Fury, and this is their first game in the tournament as NASL teams entered this round. MLS teams will enter in the Fourth Round, and the winner of Wednesday’s game will play Orlando City SC.

The Strikers’ leading scorers are Jose Angulo and Leo Moura, who have two goals apiece. Despite their poor record, the team has only given up eight goals compared to the seven they have scored. The Strikers are long overdue for a run in the Open Cup. They have been upset three times by amateur clubs and have never advanced beyond the Third Round. Last year, they were one-and-done after losing at home to the PDL’s Laredo Heat, 3-2.

Louisville City FC (USL) at Indy Eleven (NASL)

Carroll Stadium; Indianapolis, IN – 7:30 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: NONE

Winner will play at Chicago Fire (MLS) on June 16

Louisville City FC Open Cup records

Overall: 1-0-0 | Away: 1-0-0 | vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Indy Eleven Open Cup records

Overall: 1-1-0 | Home: 1-0-0 | vs. Div. 3: 1-0-0

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 2-1 in OT at Columbus Crew of MLS in Round 4)

Best finish: 2014 Fourth Round (Lost 2-1 in OT at Columbus Crew of MLS)

By Brandon Gee

As the nine US-based NASL clubs join the 3rd Round of the Open Cup, it allows the tournament to fill in the map of teams involved. The emphasis on pushing the geographic rivalries across leagues is a special facet of the competition. In the case of the NASL’s Indy Eleven, they’ll get to face the USL upstarts Louisville City FC, who play only a two hour drive south on I-65.

Though an expansion side, Louisville City is currently exceeding many preseason expectations. The boys from bourbon country are sitting at 3rd in the USL’s Eastern Conference with 16pts and a 4-1-4 record. The club boasts a +10 goal differential and ranks 2nd in the USL with only seven goals allowed.

This past Sunday saw City head to face their King’s Cup rivals in St. Louis. In a match plagued with rain and lightning that was bad enough to delay the match in the second half, City would tie the match at 2 in the 75th minute on a Matt Fondy goal only to see Louisville get the lead back two minutes later with a penalty kick. Shortly after, Nate Polak tied the game up again off a free kick. Now, Louisville will have to play in front of a crowd at Carroll Stadium that is consistently atop the attendance rankings of the lower divisions.

Louisville City earned the trip to Indianapolis with a 1-0 win over the NPSL’s Lansing United. City’s Charlie Adams scored the game winner in the 48th minute as he received a short pass from Magnus Rasmussen’s corner kick and put it past the Lansing keeper due to a deflection off a United forward.

Meanwhile, the Indy Eleven come into Open Cup play on a three-match losing streak for a current record of 1-3-3, all but ensuring a finish near the bottom of the table in the NASL’s short 10-game spring season.

In their last league match on Saturday, the Eleven traveled to face Ottawa Fury FC. Though losing the match off an Ottawa goal in the 88th minute while a scoreless draw seemed to be in the making was disheartening, perhaps the more concerning outcome of the match is the injury to the Eleven’s leading scorer Sergio Peña. So far, the club has only said it’s a lower leg injury and further evaluation is being done. It remains to be seen if he’ll be okay to play on Wednesday.

There were a couple positives for the Eleven, though, as both their Captain Greg Janicki returned from injury and goalkeeper Kristian Nicht returned from his stint with the Montreal Impact for the Ottawa match. The team also announced the signing of University of Pennsylvania and Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL) standout forward Duke Lacroix who may have a chance to see some minutes on Wednesday.

This match will be the Eleven’s third Open Cup match ever. Last year’s 3rd round saw the boys in blue easily handle the Dayton Dutch Lions 5-2, with a hat trick from Blake Smith, in front of a near sellout crowd at Carroll. Indy would then travel to Akron, Ohio and FirstEnergy Stadium to face MLS’ Columbus Crew. The Crew would lose two players to red cards, but escaped with the 2-1 win after Indy’s Brad Ring took Ethan Finlay down in the box in the 2nd OT period, with Jairo Arrieta putting the PK in for the win.

Another factor in the Eleven’s corner would be President & GM Peter Wilt. Wilt’s history of success in the Open Cup with MLS’ Chicago Fire is unprecedented in the modern era and he remains one of the biggest boosters of the tournament. Last week saw the 4-time winner take a roadtrip with an Eleven assistant coach up to Lansing to scout the Louisville City-Lansing United match himself. Then there’s the fact that with the regional draw of MLS teams, if the Eleven win, Wilt will have the opportunity to take his Indy team into Chicago to take on his old club.

Wednesday night will be first time these clubs have ever played each other in an actual competition. There was a preseason match back in March where Louisville won 2-1 at the University of Indianapolis. As Louisville aims to continue its stretch of competitive soccer and is gunning for an upset over the struggling NASL side.

Jersey Express (PDL) at New York Cosmos (NASL)

Belson Stadium (St. John’s Univ.); Queens, NY – 7:30 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: LIVE VIDEO

If New York wins … they host New York City FC (MLS) on June 16

If Jersey wins … they play at New York City FC (MLS) on June 16

Jersey Express Open Cup records

Overall: 2-1-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 4-2 at Brooklyn Italians of NPSL in Round 1)

Best finish: N/A (Winless prior to 2015)

New York Cosmos Open Cup records

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

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 2-1 in OT at Philadelphia Union of MLS in Round 5)

Best finish: 2014 Fifth Round (Lost 2-1 in OT at Philadelphia Union of MLS)

By Brian Venard

On Wednesday evening, the New York Cosmos will be looking to continue what has been an impressive start to their third season, when they host PDL side Jersey Express in the Third Round of the US Open Cup.

While the Cosmos will be playing their first cup match this season, the Express have been competing since the First Round. The Express have not had easy competition to this point, playing against four-time cup champion New York Greek American SC and the USL’s New York Red Bulls 2. While the odds have been stacked against them, Jersey Express has played quite well in both games, dominating the Greek Americans 3-0 and sliding by Red Bulls 2 by a score of 1-0. Shockingly enough, these two wins were the side’s first victories in franchise history. As one of the only two PDL sides (and five amateur teams) left in the tournament, the other being the Ventura County Fusion, there is certainly some pressure on them to succeed, and if the Express want to continue to succeed, they will need to have another star performance by Brayan Martinez, whose quality corner led his side to victory against Red Bulls 2.

The star-studded New York Cosmos, unlike the Express, have high expectations for their cup run this season. Led by Spanish forward Raul, the NASL side is looking to continue their undefeated campaign by brushing aside their opponents. After eight games in the league, the Cosmos are yet to lose a match, winning five and drawing three. The team has put up solid performances in each and every match. Their recent signing of Raul has definitely been a contributing factor, but it is by no means a one man show. Both Leonardo Fernandes and Carlos Mendes have been putting up consistent performances as well.

While the Cosmos are clearly the better side on paper in this matchup, the Open Cup is notorious for surprises and big upsets, and there is some potential of that Wednesday night at Belson Stadium.

Minnesota United FC (NASL) at Saint Louis FC (USL)

St. Louis Soccer Park; Fenton, MO – 8 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (SEE BELOW)

Winner will play at Sporting Kansas City (MLS) on June 16

Minnesota United FC Open Cup records

Overall: 4-4-0 | Away: 3-2-0 | vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 2-0 at Sporting KC of MLS in Round 4)

Best finish: Fourth Round (2012, 2014)

Saint Louis FC Open Cup records

Overall: 1-0-0 | N/A (First entry)

Last entry: N/A

Best finish: N/A

LIVE VIDEO: Minnesota United at Saint Louis FC



By Matthew DeWitt

Wednesday’s Third Round game will end with one team making a repeat trip to Kansas City for a first game against MLS opponents.

A week after the USL side finished off the Des Moines Menace in extra time, Saint Louis FC will have stiffer competition when Minnesota United FC comes to Fenton, Mo., for Round 3.

Minnesota United FC has been on a tear in the North American Soccer League. The Loons are coming into the contest on a three-game win streak in the second-division league, most recently beating NASL-newcomer Jacksonville Armada, 3-2, in front of a sold out crowd at the NSC stadium in Blaine, Minn.

St. Louis will be playing its fifth straight game at the St. Louis Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo., which has hosted numbers Open Cup games over the years, including the championship games from 1985-89. The USL side is 2-1-1 during the stretch, including last Wednesday’s overtime thriller over Des Moines and a 3-3 draw on Sunday against league opponent Louisville City.

United States Men’s National Team midfielder Miguel Ibarra and Minnesota United will try to get back to Kansas City, Kan., to take on Major League Soccer-side Sporting KC in the Fourth Round, while Saint Louis could make its first ever appearance against an MLS team, all in its first Open Cup.

Oklahoma City Energy (USL) at Tulsa Roughnecks (USL)

ONEOK Field; Tulsa, OK – 8:05 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO

Winner plays at FC Dallas (MLS) on June 16

Oklahoma City Energy FC Open Cup records

Overall: 2-1-0 | Away: 2-1-0 | vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 2-1 in OT at Arizona United of USL Pro in Round 3)

Best finish: 2014 Third Round (Lost 2-1 in OT at Arizona United of USL Pro)

Tulsa Roughnecks Open Cup records

Overall: 1-0-0 | Home: 1-0-0 | vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

By Jay F. Marks

Oklahoma City Energy FC and the Tulsa Roughnecks are facing off in what fans call the “Oklahoma Derby.” The two USL sides already have faced off once this year, a 1-1 tie on March 28 in Tulsa. Now they are meeting with a June date against MLS side FC Dallas awaiting the victor.

Energy FC arrived in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup courtesy of a 3-1 victory over the PDL’s Midland/Odessa Sockers. The second-year USL side currently sits in 7th place in the league’s Western Conference with a 3-2-3 record.

Tulsa defeated PDL side Seacoast United, 1-0, to set up Wednesday’s match against its in-state rival. The Roughnecks are 3-4-2 in the team’s first year of USL action.

The two clubs are aiming to add some more Oklahoma to the Open Cup record books. Prior to Oklahoma City entering for the first time in 2014, the last team to qualify was an amateur team called Los Lobos who competed three straight years out of the USASA from 1997-99. They failed to advance in all three years. The furthest any team from Oklahoma has ever advanced was a club called Tulsa International that reached the Round of 16 in 1974.

Austin Aztex (USL) at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)

Toyota Field; San Antonio, TX – 8:30 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: NONE

Winner will play at Houston Dynamo (MLS) – Date TBD

Austin Aztex Open Cup records

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

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 4-4, 4-2 in PKs vs. NTX Rayados of USASA in Round 1)

Best finish (as PDL): 2013 Second Round (Lost 2-0 vs. Wilmington Hammerheads of USL Pro)

San Antonio Scorpions Open Cup records

Overall: 3-2-1 (0-1 PKs) | Home: 3-1-1 (0-1 PKs) | vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 2-0 at FC Dallas of MLS in Round 4)

Best finish: 2012 Fourth Round (Lost 2-1 in OT vs. Charlotte Eagles of USL Pro)

By Chris Hockman

For the second time this year, the Austin Aztex will make the trip down I-35 to take on the San Antonio Scorpions, but this time the match holds something meaningful, a place in the US Open Cup Fourth Round against the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer.

Austin Aztex fans will claim that the Queso Bowl is real enough, but it will mean nothing if they don’t back up their convincing pre-season friendly victory at the same venue. (MORE: Aztex destroy Scorpions and win Queso Bowl)

Scorpions fans will claim that the team has moved on since then, and perhaps they have, but with just two wins to show for the season so far, that claim may be a little much. A US Open Cup run could be vital for the club’s future and to get the club some attention for a potential buyer.

By contrast, the Austin Aztex sit in a playoff position, perhaps ahead of expectations, compared to the below-expectations performance of the Scorpions. But enter the game having lost their previous game and it could be a sloppy game. Fortuantely for San Antonio residents, and fans attending the game on Wednesday, the city got off lightly compared to Austin where the Aztex home ground was under water this week.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL) at Real Monarchs (USL)

Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, UT – 9 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (SEE BELOW)

Winner plays at Colorado Rapids (MLS) on June 16

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Open Cup records

Overall: 1-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Real Monarchs Open Cup records

Overall: 1-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0

Last entry: N/A (First entry)

Best finish: N/A (First entry)

LIVE VIDEO: Colorado Springs Switchbacks at Real Monarchs



By Robert Wilson

USL rivals Real Monarchs and Colorado Springs Switchbacks meet at Rio Tinto Stadium with a Fourth Round matchup at the Colorado Rapids (MLS) on the line. The two inaugural teams were victorious in their first ever Open Cup games last week defeating lower division oppositions; Real Monarchs pulled off the 1-0 road victory over the Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) while Colorado Springs held on to defeat Harpo’s FC (USSSA) 2-1 at home. This meeting will be the third official meetings, including the preseason, with Colorado Springs winning both previous encounters 1-0 in Utah and 5-2 in Colorado.

The real test for any soccer team is the ability to rotate the roster and compete on multiple fronts often during the same week. So far Switchbacks FC head coach Steve Trittschuh has done a good job of this after securing the Open Cup victory with two goals from Marty Mabin and then following up with a 5-0 league victory over Arizona United this weekend with only three players overlapping starters. Now on the road, Trittschuh will be tested again however has plenty of inform options at all 11 positions. The most in-form include a group of five attackers; Luke Vercollone, Miguel Gonzalez, Aaron King, Saeed Robinson and Marty Mabin, who have combined to score eight goals and four assists over four games in the month of May.

The past month has not been as kind to hosts Real Monarchs who have been away from home almost the entire month of May including the recent swing that brought them from Utah to Long Island, New York to Vancouver, British Colombia all in one week’s time. The Monarchs are currently sitting in last place on the Western Conference due to a number of close matches that have not fallen the way of the young club but they remain optimistic about their Open Cup potential. Real Monarchs are likely to line up with forwards Emery Welshman and Max Rauhofer in front of in-form playmaker – and recent 22nd birthday boy – Ricardo Velazco and goalkeeper Eric Osswald who are all eager to advance in this game and prove their value in the following round against their parent club’s regional rival.

PSA Elite (USASA) at Ventura County Fusion (PDL)

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

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (SEE BELOW)

Winner plays at Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) on June 17

PSA Elite Open Cup records

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

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 5-0 at Seattle Sounders of MLS in Round 4)

Best finish: 2014 Fourth Round (Lost 5-0 to Seattle Sounders of MLS)

Ventura County Fusion Open Cup records

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

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 2-1 at Sacramento Republic of USL PRO in Round 2

Best finish: 2012 (Lost 1-0 vs. Chivas USA of MLS)

LIVE VIDEO: PSA Elite at Ventura County Fusion



By Josh Hakala

Over the last six years, the Ventura County Fusion have established themselves as one of the most consistent amateur teams in the country when it comes to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. They have qualified a Modern Era record six straight years, and they’ve eliminated two professional teams, including the one that helped them reach the Third Round, a 2-1 road win over the Los Angeles Galaxy 2 (USL).

Southern California USASA club PSA Elite is starting to build their own level of Open Cup consistency. This their fourth straight year of qualifying for the tournament and also have two professional team scalps under their belt, having upset the Orange County Blues (USL) 2-1 last week.

Both teams have also had their shot at a Major League Soccer team. The PSA Elite lost 5-0 on the road last year to eventual champion Seattle Sounders FC. Ventura County gave Chivas USA a scare back in the Third Round in 2012 when the goats escaped with a 1-0 win in Ventura.

The winner of Wednesday night’s game will get another shot at MLS, thus, guaranteeing Open Cup fans one of the prizes of this 102-year-old tournament: an amateur team taking on a team from the top division. Whoever prevails will face the Los Angeles Galaxy at the StubHub Center on June 17.

Chula Vista FC (USASA) at Sacramento Republic (USL)

Bonney Field; Sacramento, CA – 10:30 p.m.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO | ONLINE RADIO

Winner will play at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) on June 16

Chula Vista FC Open Cup records

Overall: 2-0-0 | Away: 2-0-0 | vs. Div. 3: 1-0-0

Last entry: N/A (2015 first entry)

Best finish: N/A (2015 first entry)

Sacramento Republic Open Cup records

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

Last entry: 2014 (Lost 2-1 at San Jose Earthquakes of MLS in Round 4)

Best finish: 2014 Fourth Round (Lost 2-1 at San Jose Earthquakes of MLS)

LIVE VIDEO: Chula Vista FC at Sacramento Republic



By Evan Ream

With the prize of a match-up against MLS affiliate in principal, but not practice, Sacramento Republic FC will take on the USASA’s Chula Vista FC Wednesday at Bonney Field.

In their mixed bag of a season, the Republic are currently near the top of the USL Western Conference standings having won four of five home league games, but just two of six road games.

With a side filled mainly with reserves, Sacramento cruised to a 4-2 second round round win over the Sonoma County Sol of the NPSL through a hat trick from Tommy Stewart, the first Northern Irishman to tally one in the modern era of the Open Cup.

The win came at a cost though as both Stewart and midfielder Octavio Guzman – fringe starters for the first team – exited the game due to injury and did not make the trip to Sacramento’s 2-1 loss in Oklahoma City on Saturday.

One player who could feature in the Third Round though is 2014 USL MVP finalist and Republic talisman Rodrigo Lopez, who was sent off in the first ten minutes of the OKC game and will have to sit out Saturday’s match against Real Monarchs SLC due to suspension.

Last year, Lopez was instrumental in pulling the strings for the Republic in their 6-0 third round win over the Fresno Fuego, which set up a hotly contested third round game against San Jose, where Sacramento fell short despite taking the lead originally.

Getting in the way of that rematch is Chula Vista FC, an amateur side from Southern California which accounted for one of the biggest second round upsets with a 3-0 win at USL club Arizona United SC.

Chula Vista, who have set up a GoFundMe account (Donate here) to cover their travel costs to Sacramento, are led by Albert Diaz, who scored two and set up another in their upset of Arizona United. Diaz was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round for his efforts.

The USASA side previously beat FC Tuscon of the USL PDL 2-1 in extra time to set up the Arizona United meeting.