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Graphic by Phil Naegely | Photo by Chicago Fire FC
The Third Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup kicks off on Tuesday night (April 16) with five games on the schedule, followed by 11 more games on Wednesday night.
MORE: 2024 US Open Cup Round 3 Review (Tuesday results)
The 16 Second Round winners, which feature three amateur clubs (Lubbock Matadors and El Farolito, both of the NPSL and Miami United of the USSL), are joined by 16 teams from the USL Championship, the second division of American soccer.
The Third Round match winners will advance to join the eight remaining USL Championship teams and the eight Major League Soccer teams who will enter in the Fourth Round.
You can find the schedule for Round 3 here and the goalscoring leaders here. You can find a review of every Round 1 game HERE and the Round 2 games HERE. The draw for Round 4 will take place after the Third Round is complete.
TheCup.us will have reporters at every Round 3 game and will be providing live updates on X (Twitter), @USOpenCup.
As a reminder all Third Round matches stream for free on US Soccer’s website. You can find all of the live video embedded here.
April 16, 2024
Charlotte Independence (USL-1) vs. Rhode Island FC (USL-C)
American Legion Memorial Stadium – Charlotte, NC.
7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO
Charlotte has the second longest Open Cup history of all the USL League One teams with seven appearances. The club’s high point was a run to the Fifth Round in 2015, when they upset the New England Revolution 1-0 in the Fourth Round. The Independence fell short of reaching the Quarterfinals, dropping a 3-1 decision to the Chicago Fire. Captain Jorge Herrera was voted Player of the Round by TheCup.us for his performance against New England. Charlotte has outright lost only one Open Cup game in seven played against amateur competition, a 3-1 loss to the Ocean City Nor’easters in the 2018 Second Round. The next year in the same round Charlotte were ousted by Florida Soccer Soldiers on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Charlotte Independence players celebrate after a penalty kick win over South Carolina United in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Photos by Laura Stroud
Charlotte advanced to the Second Round with a 2-0 win over amateur side Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USL of Pennsylvania). After a scoreless opening half Omar Ciss and Kharlton Belmar each scored a goal and assisted on the other. In the Second Round, Charlotte was held to a 0-0 draw through 120 minutes against the UPSL’s South Carolina United Heat, but advanced by winning the penalty tiebreaker 4-3. Austin Pack saved 2 of the last 3 Heat penalties, while his teammates struck four in a row after the first attempt was missed.
Charlotte are 2-1-0 in USL League One play, and are coming off a 1-0 win over first place Greenville Triumph on April 12.
MORE: As ‘soccer city’ grows, Charlotte Independence begins Year 10 with coach who never left
Rhode Island FC are the final team in this year’s tournament to make their debut, having just begun play as a new club in the USL Championship. The state of Rhode Island has been largely absent from the Open Cup in the Modern Era, the lone appearance coming on June 17, 1997, when the Rhode Island Stingrays (D3 Pro League) were upset at home by the amateur side Bridgeport Italians 3-2 in the First Round. (NOTE: Bridgeport’s goalkeeper that day was the late Des McAleenan)
Despite the lack of recent history of teams from the Ocean State in the USOC, the state still has a rich history in the tournament. By far the most successful club from Rhode Island is J & P Coats, who reached the Open Cup semifinals in 1923, 1926 and 1928. After an ownership change the team was renamed the Pawtucket Rangers and reached the semifinals again in 1933, and made the Final in 1934 and 1935, losing both times to St. Louis powerhouse Stix, Baer & Fuller/Central Breweries. A new team, Pawtucket SC, found success in 1941, winning the Open Cup Final over Detroit’s Chrysler SC 6-5 over two games. Pawtucket reached the Final again the following year but lost to Gallatin (West Pa.) 6-3 over two games.
In its initial USL Championship campaign, Rhode Island four of their five games have been draws, including 0-0 draws in their last two games against the Charleston Battery and Pittsburgh Riverhounds, two clubs that will enter the 2024 US Open Cup in the Fourth Round.
MORE: Khano Smith remaining calm as he searches for first Rhode Island win
Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
8th US Open Cup appearance (2015-19, 2022-23)
Overall: 7-6-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 2-2-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 5-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Fifth Round (2015)
Rhode Island FC (USL-C)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish; N/A
Louisville City FC (USL-C) vs. Greenville Triumph SC (USL-1)
Lynn Family Stadium – Louisville, KY
7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO
In a battle of two of the hottest clubs in the USL early on, the Greenville Triumph make the trip north to challenge Louisville City FC.
The Greenville Triumph have been one of the more successful clubs in USL League One. In its five years in the league, Greenville have made the playoffs every year, finishing as championship runners-up in 2018 and 2021, and winning the title in 2020. Only one of Greenville’s six Open Cup games have been away from home, and that came last year with a cross-country trip to face USL Championship club Phoenix Rising in the Second Round.
Louis “Chapa” Herrera (right) of Greenville Triumph SC celebrates with Zion Scarlett after scoring a goal against One Knoxville SC in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: One Knoxville SC
Greenville reached the Second Round with a chippy 1-0 win over South Carolina United Bantams of USL League Two. Leonardo Castro’s goal just before halftime was enough for the pros in a game that saw 36 fouls and seven yellow cards between the two teams. In Round 2 Greenville survived extra to eliminate League One league-mates One Knoxville 3-2. Greenville’s Lyam MacKinnon and Knoxville’s Kempes Tekiela each scored a pair of goals, and a saved penalty kick by Knoxville’s Johan Garibay in the 86th minute sent the game to extra time. Greenville took the lead for good on Louis Herrera’s goal in the 107th minute.
Greenville are currently in first place in USL League One with a 3-1-1 record, and are coming off a 1-0 loss to the Charlotte Independence on April 12.
MORE: New Greenville Triumph coach looks for seamless transition at the top
Since Louisville City FC relocated from Orlando in 2014 they have been the most consistently successful clubs in the USL Championship. Lou City haven’t just made the playoffs every year, they’ve at least reached the semifinals each time, winning the playoffs in 2017 and 2018, and reaching the Final in 2019 and 2022.
In the Open Cup, Louisville’s best showing was in 2018 when they reached the Quarterfinals, knocking off the New England Revolution along the way. Louisville have lost at home just once in the Open Cup in 11 games, a 2-1 loss to Nashville SC in the 2022 Fifth Round.
Louisville City defeated Indy Eleven 5-3 in the first USL Championship game televised nationally on CBS on April 6. The Boys in Purple have been piling up the goals in 2024, scoring 16 over five games, leading them to win their first four games before being cooled off by Eastern Conference-leading Charleston Battery 3-2 on April 9. Wilson Harris sits atop the goalscoring leaders in USL-C with seven goals.
MORE: From superfan Jack Harlow to the Euro pipeline: Meet Louisville City FC, one of American soccer’s hidden gems
Louisville City FC (USL-C)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
8th US Open Cup appearance (2015-19, 2022-23)
Overall: 11-7-3 (3-0 PK)
Home: 8-1-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 2-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2018)
Greenville Triumph SC (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
4th US Open Cup appearance (2019, 2022, 2023)
Overall: 4-3-0
Away: 2-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-2-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)
Detroit City FC (USL-C) vs. Michigan Stars FC (NISA)
Keyworth Stadium – Hamtramck, MI
7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO
The Michigan Stars, the 2022 NISA champions, nearly made it two league titles in a row, but were upset in the championship game by Flower City Union. The club got its start in 1998 as the Windsor Spartans FC in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Moving to the Metro Detroit area in 2013 the team joined the NPSL, and in 2019 made the move to the newly-formed NISA.
Players from Michigan Stars FC celebrate after a 2-0 win over MNUFC2 in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Michigan Stars FC
The Stars found themselves in a fight with the NPSL’s Steel City FC, squeaking out a 1-0 victory. Niels Lellouch got the winning goal with seven minutes remaining in the game. Goalkeeper Tatenda Mikurva kept Steel City out of his goal with six saves from 16 shots faced. It was the first Open Cup win in Stars history in their third attempt.
In the Second Round, Michigan found itself in another fight, finishing tied 0-0 after 90 minutes with MNUFC 2 (MLS NEXT Pro). Sacko Konate and Hunter Olson broke the deadlock in extra time to give Michigan a 2-0 win. After a two week delay, the Stars opened their 2024 NISA schedule on April 6 with a 3-2 win over the Savannah Clovers.
Detroit City started a year earlier in 2012 as an NPSL side, and quickly became known for its fervent fan base. The club renovated historic Keyworth Stadium to be used as their home field in 2016. Keyworth was built in 1936 and hosted its first Open Cup match on Jan. 8, 1939 when Detroit’s Chrysler SC fell to Manhattan Beer of Chicago 4-2. In 2019, Detroit City joined NISA, where it won two championships. In 2022 the club left NISA to join the USL Championship.
Detroit City FC fans set off smoke bombs during the club’s match against Michigan Stars FC in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Nick Miko
After just making the playoffs with a 11-15-8 record in 2023, DCFC pulled off a 1-0 upset over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Detroit City are off to a hot start in 2024, winning all four of their games in the early season.
Despite just one match being played between the teams since 2022, the Stars and DCFC have kept their rivalry going from their days as rivals in NISA. In 2022, the Stars fell to their former NISA rivals 2-0, Afterwards, Stars owner George Juncaj posted on the club’s X account complaining of his team being “sabotaged with smoke, darkness and smell”
Artist’s rendition of Keyworth Stadium while it was under construction in 1936. Source: Detroit Free Press
Detroit City FC (USL-C)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
7th US Open Cup appearance (2014-2019, 2022-2023)
Overall: 3-3-5 (2-3 PK)
Home: 3-1-3 (1-2 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 2-0-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)
Michigan Stars FC (NISA)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
3rd US Open Cup appearance (2022-23)
Overall: 2-2-0
Away: 2-2-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-2-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022, 2023)
New Mexico United (USL-C) Vs. Lubbock Matadors (NPSL)
Rio Rancho High School – Rio Rancho, NM
9 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO
The Matadors needed extra time heroics against NISA’s Arizona Monsoon in their 2-1 first round victory. With seven minutes remaining, Salvador Martinez tied the game for Lubbock. Tied 1-1 in extra time, and both teams playing a man down due to red cards, Toufik Najem scored in the 119th minute to send the sellout crowd of 2,258 at Lubbock Christian University’s LCU Field into a frenzy.
Players, coaches and fans of the Lubbock Matadors celebrate after a 2-0 win over FORO SC in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Lubbock Matadors
In the Second Round Lubbock hosted another upset winner from the First Round, FORO SC, who eliminated Austin FC II on penalties. Lubbock prevailed 2-0 on second half goals from Salvador Martines and Shuma Sasaki.
On July 15, 2023, 5,842 fans saw the Matadors play Brownsville NPSL at Lubbock’s Cooper Pirate Stadium, ranking among the top ten in single-game attendance figures in NPSL history, and the club averaged around 4,000 for six home games in the 2023 season. Head coach Paul Gilbert was named NPSL Coach of the Year for the 2023 season.
MORE: Matadors Fighting Strong: Meet Lubbock, TX’s International Brigade
New Mexico’s best Open Cup performance came in their initial appearance in 2019, reaching the Quarterfinals by knocking off USL championship rivals Phoenix Rising and Colorado Springs Switchbacks, the upsetting the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas before falling to Minnesota United in the Quarterfinals. NMU have only played (and won) three of their previous 10 Open Cup games home, Two of those games were against the only amateur opposition they have played in the tournament, a 5-0 win over Las Vegas Legends (NPSL) in 2022, and a 6-0 triumph over UDA Soccer (UPSL) last year.
New Mexico United fans. File photo by New Mexico United
The state of New Mexico doesn’t have a deep Open Cup history, but the greatest success the state has seen came in 1991 when the New Mexico Chiles of the SISL (Southwest Independent Soccer League, now todays USL) reached the semifinals where they fell to SISL league-mate Richardson Rockets 1-0.
In 2023 New Mexico claimed the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with a 13-14-7 record and are off to a 3-1-1 start in 2024.
MORE: New Mexico United hosts community meeting on proposed soccer stadium
New Mexico United (USL-C)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
4th US Open Cup appearance (2019, 2022, 2023)
Overall: 5-3-2 (2-0 PK)
Home: 3-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 2-0-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2019)
Lubbock Matadors (NPSL)
How they qualified: Finished 11-0-1 in NPSL Lone Star Conference
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Oakland Roots SC (USL-C) vs. El Farolito (NPSL)
CSUEB Pioneer Stadium – Hayward, CA
10:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO
El Farolito is one of two former Open Cup champions still among the field in the Third Round (Richmond Kickers the other in 1995), having won the US Open Cup in 1993 (under the name CD Mexico). The club also reached the Final of the 1991 National Amateur Cup. El Farolito competed in the San Francisco Soccer Football League and California Premier Soccer Association for most of their existence before switching to the NPSL in 2018. In fact, El Farolito would have been making their fourth Open Cup appearance this year instead of their third but were disqualified in 2018 for switching leagues in the middle of the competition. (The club was the subject of TheCup.us’s “Meet the Underdogs” series back in 2017.)
Second half goals from Jhohann Yabur and Dembor Benson erased a 1-0 halftime deficit and El Farolito held on the rest of the way for a 2-1 upset win over Timbers2 in the First Round. El Farolito claimed their second pro upset of 2024 with a dramatic 2-1 win over Central Valley Fuego of USL League One. Tie 1-1 with regulation winding down, Dembor Benson scored his second goal of the game in the 88th minute to give his team the win and earn him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors.
El Farolito pose for a photo prior to their match against Central Valley Fuego in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: El Farolito
El Farolito are 0-2 versus USL Championship opponents, a 1-0 loss to Fresno FC in 2019 and the loss to Oakland last year.
Last season, El Farolito finished second in the NPSL, and topping the table in the Golden Gate conference with a 9-0-1 record. They would fall short in the postseason with a loss to Crossfire Red in the West regional final. El Farolito’s NPSL season has already started, with the club holding a 3-0-1 record, good for first place in the Golden Gate Conference.
MORE: San Francisco Originals El Farolito: High Hopes Forged in Former Glory
Oakland began in 2019 as a charter member of NISA before moving to the USL Championship in 2021. Roots have reached the Western Conference semifinals twice (2021, 2022), but missed the playoffs in 2023 with a 10th place finish. The club is off to a slow start in 2024, currently holding a 1-4-1 record. Ownership partners for the Roots, include Green Day singer Billy Joe Armstrong and Jason Kidd, current head coach of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.
Johnny Rodriguez (17) of the Oakland Roots dribbles past Johnatan Mosquera (2) of El Farolito during a US Open Cup 2nd round game at Cal State East Bay in Hayward, Calif. on Apr. 5, 2023. (Douglas Zimmerman / SoccerBayArea)
Oakland and El Farolito met in last year’s Open Cup, with Oakland prevailing 3-1, though last year’s game was played with far less hoopla for the amateur opponents. There is a Taqueria El Farolito about five miles away from the Oakland Roots headquarters.
MORE: How Oakland Roots created a winning brand that rivals MLS & NBA powerhouses
Oakland Roots SC (USL-C)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
3rd US Open Cup appearance (2022, 2023)
Overall: 1-2-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 1-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2023)
El Farolito (NPSL)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
3rd US Open Cup appearances (2017, 2023)
Overall: 4-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 3-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-2-0
Best finish: 1993 US Open Cup champions (as “CD Mexico”)
Wednesday, April 17
Hartford Athletic (USL-C) vs. NYCFC II (MLSNP)
Trinity Health Stadium – Hartford, CT
7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO
After years of having loose affiliations with USL clubs, New York City FC finally fielded their own reserve team with the formation of MLS NEXT Pro in 2021. NYCFC II’s first season saw them miss the playoffs by a single point. Forward MD Myers finished 2023 in a three-way tie atop the league’s goalscoring chart with 19 goals, before moving on and signing with the Charleston Battery of the USL Championship. The Baby Blues will look to do something the senior club has never accomplished in the Open Cup, win three games in a single tournament. NYCFC won twice in 2019 and 2022 to reach the Quarterfinals but had the benefit of starting later in the tournament.
Players from NYCFC II and New York Red Bulls II battle for the ball in a Second Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: NYCFC II
In the opening round, NYCFC II. Taylor Callheia, Andrew Baiera and Maximo Carrizo shared the scoring duties and NYCFC outshot FC Motown 34-4 in their 3-0 victory. The Second Round proved a bit more challenging with the reserve version of the Hudson River Derby against New York Red Bulls II. NYCFC II jumped out to a 3-1 halftime lead through a pair of goal from Jonathan Jimenez and a single from Malachi Jones. Red Bulls II mounted a comeback, scoring right after halftime, and seeing Julian Hall’s PK attempt saved in the 64th minute. Jimenez put the cap on his hat trick with a successful PK in the 87th minute to give the Baby Blues a 4-2 win over the Baby Bulls. Jimenez was the runner-up for TheCup.us Player of the Round. The win gave NYCFC II something their MLS club had never done, a victory over the Red Bulls in the Open Cup. NYCFC is 0-3 against their rivals in the competition.
In MLS NEXT Pro play, NYCFC II are 2-2, and are coming off a 6-2 thrashing of New England Revolution II
Hartford has struggled to find success in the league since their debut in 2019, reaching the USL Championship playoffs just once, in the abbreviated 2020 season. 2023 was particularly dire for the club. Finishing 4-6-24 and in last place in the Eastern Conference. Early in the 2024 season Hartford have nearly matched last season’s win total, posting a 3-1-0 record
In Hartford’s short Open Cup history, they have never beaten another professional club, their three Open Cup wins coming against amateur opponents.
Elvis Amoh of Hartford Athletic strikes the ball in a 2023 US Open Cup match against Lansdowne Yonkers FC. Photo: Hartford Athletic
Participation in the Open Cup by teams from Hartford began in 1920, when the S.K.F. Club were eliminated in the opening round by New Haven FC. Hartford would remain quiet up until the Italian American Stars rose to prominence in the Late 1950s, early 1960s, reaching the Eastern Quarterfinals in 1959, 1960 and 1961, as well as well as reaching the 1961 National Amateur Cup Final. Hartford’s Trinity Health Stadium (previously known as Dillon Stadium) has hosted Open Cup matches since Nov. 16 1958, when the I-A Stars defeated Hartford’s KS Ogniwo 2-0 in the opening round of qualifying.
MORE: Under new CEO, Hartford Athletic hopes revamped roster, coaching staff translate to more wins, attendance and revenues
Hartford Athletic (USL-C)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
4th US Open Cup appearance (2019, 2022, 2023)
Overall: 3-3-0
Home: 3-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2019, 2022, 2023)
NYCFC II (MLSNP)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Richmond Kickers (USL-1) vs. Loudoun United FC (USL-C)
City Stadium – Richmond, VA
7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO
In the First Round, Richmond exorcized the demons from when they lost to Christos FC in 2017 at City Stadium in Richmond with a 1-0 triumph over the same foes at the same venue. Adrian Billhardt’s goal in first half stoppage time was enough to stop the upstart amateurs from Baltimore. In the Second Round Richmond eased by NISA’s Maryland Bobcats 5-2. The Kickers took at 3-1 lead into halftime, and added two gals late in the second half. With the win, it was Richmond’s 36th all-time tournament victory, which is tied for fifth in the Modern Era with FC Dallas and the Charleston Battery.
The Kickers are looking to bounce back from a very disappointing 2023 season, which saw them finish second to last in the 12-team USL League One. The Kickers are 1-2-1 early in the League One season,
Richmond Kickers players celebrate after scoring a goal against the Maryland Bobcats in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Stone Hendricks – Jessicastonehendricks.com
Richmond is 5-3-1 all-time against Division 2 teams in Open Cup play but are 3-2-1 when playing as a Division 3 team. The Kickers last win over a Div. 2 club while at the Div. 3 level was in the 2015 Second Round, when they topped the NASL’s Jacksonville Armada 3-0. The game versus Loudoun United will mark the 33rd Open Cup game at Richmond City Stadium, second only to the closed MUSC Health Stadium/Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C., which hosted 36 Open Cup games.
Loudoun United have played in the USL Championship since 2019, but only became eligible for the Open Cup last year once their status as D.C. United’s reserve club ended. Loudoun have lived at the bottom of the USL championship table each of their five seasons, only hitting double digits in wins once (11 in 2019). Loudoun are currently 1-2-1 in league play, and are coming off a 2-1 win over Memphis on April 13.
Wesley Leggett of Loudoun United celebrates after scoring a goal against North Carolina FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Loudoun United
Loudoun’s debut in the Open Cup last year was a bit of a bright spot in their lackluster season, reaching the Fourth Round to face the Columbus Crew after defeating North Carolina FC (USL-1) and Flower City Union (NISA).
MORE: Loudoun United FC feeling good after first month of the season
Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
24th US Open Cup appearance (1995, 1997, 2000-2002, 2004-2023)
Overall: 36-21-4 (2-2 PK)
Home: 29-8-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 5-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: 1995 US Open Cup champions
Loudoun United FC (USL-C)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
2nd US Open Cup appearance (2023)
Overall: 2-1-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 2-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2023)
North Carolina FC (USL-C) vs. Carolina Core FC (MLSNP)
WakeMed Soccer Park – Cary, NC
7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO
Known as the Carolina RailHawks until the 2017 season, NCFC return to the USL Championship after three seasons in USL League One, which they topped off by winning the league championship in 2023. After spending its first four years with the USL (2007-2010), the club left for the newly-reformed NASL in 2011. NCFC returned to the USL in 2018. NCFC’s return to the USL Championship is going a bit slow, with three draws to go along with a win and a loss.
The club’s greatest Open Cup success came in its rookie year in 2007, reaching the Semifinals, knocking off the Richmond Kickers and Chicago Fire before dropping a 2-1 extra time decision to eventual champs the New England Revolution. NCFC also reached the Quarterfinals in 2013 and 2014, eliminating Chivas USA and the LA Galaxy each year.
However, NCFC come into Wednesday’s game having lost three straight tournament games dating back to the 2019 US Open Cup.
Players from North Carolina FC celebrate the team’s only goal against Florida Soccer Soldiers in the Third Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Credit – Rob Kinnan
The Carolina Core are one of two independent MLS NEXT Pro teams, along with Chattanooga FC. Former U.S. Men’s National team defender and D.C. United standout Eddie Pope serves as the Chief Sporting Director, and his USMNT teammate Roy Lassiter serves as the club’s head coach.
Carolina overcame a 2-1 halftime deficit to knock off Northern Virginia FC of USL League Two 3-2. David Polanco began the comeback with a goal five minutes into the second half, and then assisted on Joshua Rodriguez’s game winner in the 81st minute.
Josuha Rodriguez of the Carolina Core celebrates after scoring a goal against Northern Virginia FC in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Caleb Livengood
Carolina then traveled north and stopped the First Round upset darlings Vermont Green 2-1. After Vermont took a 1-0 lead on a first half penalty, Papa Ndoye converted a spot kick for Carolina to draw level, then Josuha Rodriguez put the visitors up 2-1 ten minutes later.
Carolina are 1-2-0 in the early stages of the MLS NEXT Pro season, with the one win coming from a PK shootout tiebreaker.
MORE: Carolina Core Soccer Team Ready To Kick Off Season
MORE: Roy Lassiter up to challenge of building Carolina Core
North Carolina FC (USL-C)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
15th US Open Cup appearance (2007-2010, 2012-2019, 2022, 2023)
Overall: 22-12-3 (1-2 PK)
Home: 21-7-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 7-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Semifinals (2007)
Carolina Core FC (MLSNP)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Miami FC (USL-C) Vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
FIU Soccer Stadium – Miami, FL
7:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO
Living in the shadow of Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, Miami FC have spent time in four different leagues since its start in 2016. After two seasons in the NASL, the club moved to the NPSL as Miami FC 2 for 2018 and 2019 while the NASL suspended operations. After winning the NPSL championship both seasons, Miami FC made the move to NISA and won the 2019 Fall Championship. Miami then settled in the USL Championship in 2020, and have struggled to find success, only reaching the playoffs in two of their four seasons there. In 2023 Miami finished just outside the Eastern Conference playoffs with an 11-15-8 record. After winning their season opener 2-0 over Colorado Springs, Miami have only managed one draw out of their following five games.
Photo: Miami FC
As a member of the NASL, Miami reached the Quarterfinals in 2017, knocking off Atlanta United 3-2 at home & Orlando City 3-1 away. The wins set up a Quarterfinal date with an even bigger Cinderella story, the red hot FC Cincinnati of the USL. FC Cincinnati had knocked off two MLS clubs themselves (Columbus & Chicago), with the latter being nationally televised on ESPN in front of 33,287 fans in Cincinnati. FC Cincinnati prevailed 1-0 over Miami, earning a spot in the semifinals.
In its 14 Open Cup games played (home and away), Miami FC has yet to leave the state of Florida. In fact, every game but one has been played in the Miami metro area, (at Orlando City in 2017). Miami FC has also played just one Division 3 opponent in the Open Cup, a 2-1 loss to the Wilmington Hammerheads in their very first open Cup game in 2016.
MORE: YOUNG, HUNGRY & UNDERESTIMATED: LOOK OUT FOR THE NEW-LOOK MIAMI FC
Tormenta advanced to the Second Round via a 1-0 win over Open Division qualifier FC America CFL Spurs. Nick Akoto’s goal in the 5th minute held up the rest of the way as South Georgia won their first Open Cup match played against amateur competition. In the Second Round Tormenta dominated NISA’s Savannah Clovers 4-0, four different players contributing to the scoring.
South Georgia Tormenta FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against the Savannah Clovers in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Holt Wimberly | TheCup.us
South Georgia Tormenta FC started as an amateur club in the PDL (USL League Two) in 2016. After three seasons they turned pro to join the newly created USL League One, although they still maintain a team in USL-2. Tormenta won the 2022 USL League One championship, defeating the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC 2-1 in the Final. Tormenta finished an agonizing one-point shy of reaching the USL League One playoffs in 2023. Tormenta FC are currently 2-2-1 in league play.
Tormenta have made three appearances in the Open Cup, with their best run coming in 2022 when they upset a pair of USL Championship teams (Charleston 1-0 & Birmingham 2-0) to reach the Third Round where they dropped a 3-1 decision to Inter Miami. Tormenta have only played one Open Cup game against Division 3 opposition, a 1-0 loss to the Greensville Triumph in Tormenta’s Open Cup debut in 2019.
MORE: South Georgia Tormenta FC 2024 season preview
Miami FC (USL-C)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
7th US Open Cup appearance (2016-2019, 2022, 2023)
Overall: 8-5-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 6-5-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2017)
South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic bid
4th US Open Cup appearance (2019, 2022-23)
Overall: 5-3-0
Away: 2-3-0
vs. Div. 2: 3-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)
Memphis 901 FC (USL-C) vs. Miami United FC (USSL)
AutoZone Park – Memphis, TN
7:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO
Memphis 901 (901 being the telephone area code for Memphis) has been in the USL Championship since the club was founded in 2019, and have reached the playoffs each of the last three seasons. Longtime USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard finished his playing career in Memphis with six games in 2022, and now serves as the club’s Sporting Director. After winning their season opener in league play. Memphis has lost four in a row, leaving them with a 1-4-0 mark.
Memphis 901’s Phillip Goodrum celebrates after scoring a PK goal vs. Atlanta United in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Memphis 901 FC
Memphis will be hosting their first Open Cup game since 2019, having played the last four in the road. 901 have played only one other amateur club in the Open Cup a 3-1 win over New York Red Bulls U-23s in 2019. Memphis has reached the Fourth Round twice (2019 and 2023) but the most successful of the two has to be last year, when 901 upset Atlanta United 2-1 in extra time in the Third Round.
For the fifth time out of six Open Cup appearances, Miami United advanced past their opening game, knocking off MLS NEXT Pro’s Chattanooga FC 1-0 on Jhon Pajoy’s stunning free kick from 30 yards out in the 12th minute. The win over Chattanooga was Miami United’s first over a professional club, going winless in their previous four attempts. (NOTE: In 2018, United beat two NPSL teams Miami FC 2 and Jacksonville Armada FC who were part of amateur leagues, but featured paid players)
In the Second Round, Miami United kept its dream alive with a 2-0 win over Club de Lyon of NISA. Alejo Melo Fernandez assisted on Jhon Pinoy’s first half goal, then scored one of his own in the 56th minute. Goalkeeper Cristian Blanco saved a Lyon penalty in the 73rd minute to keep the pros from gaining hope of a comeback.
Miami United are making their third consecutive appearance in the Open Cup, bringing their total to six overall. The previous four times Miami United qualified through their NPSL club while in 2023 and 2024 it was their National Soccer League (NSL) team navigating Open Division Local qualifying. The NSL rebranded this past offseason, changing its name to the United States Soccer League (USSL). Miami United won the USSL South Florida Elite division by beating 2022 Open Cup qualifier City Soccer FC 1-0 in a playoff final. Miami United then captured the USSL Elite Florida championship on March 23, scoring twice in the final three minutes to beat FC America CFL Spurs 2-1. Miami United are 2-2-0 in the young UPSL Spring season, winning their last two games. The UPSL club shares many of the same players as the USSL team.
Miami United FC celebrates after upsetting Chattanooga FC in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Miami United FC
Their most successful stint came in 2018 when they reached the Fourth Round (just 17 amateur teams have done it in the Modern Era) after defeating , Miami FC 2 and Jacksonville Armada to earn a game with Orlando City SC of MLS, which they lost 3-0.
MORE: The Underdog Dossier: Robertino Insua
Memphis 901 FC (USL-C)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
4th US Open Cup appearance (2019, 2022, 2023)
Overall: 4-3-0
Home: 2-1-0
vs. Amateurs: 1-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2019, 2023)
Miami United FC (USSSA / United States Soccer League)
How they qualified: Open Division Local Qualifying (defeated City Soccer FC 3-1 in final round)
6th US Open Cup appearance (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023)
Overall: 8-4-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 3-2-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 0-2-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2018)
Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C) Vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
Protective Stadium – Birmingham, AL
8 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO
Birmingham have reached the USL Championship playoffs all five seasons they’ve existed, although they’ve yet to advance past the conference semifinals. The Legion have started 2024 with a 2-2-1 record. After a pair of Third Round exits in the Open Cup in 2019 and 2022, Birmingham hit paydirt in 2023, reaching the Quarterfinals, knocking off Charlotte FC 1-0 In the Fifth Round in front of a record 12,722 fans at Protective Stadium. The record would be shattered for the Quarterfinal game against Inter Miami as an announced crowd of 18,418 witnessed the home side fall 1-0. (It was the 26th largest crowd to witness a US Open Cup game in tournament history)
Juan Agudelo of Birmingham Legion FC celebrates after scoring a goal against Memphis 901 FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham also defeated both Chattanooga clubs during their 2023 run. Legion knocked off the Red Wolves. Legion knocked off the Red Wolves 4-1 in the Second Round, and then got by Chattanooga FC (then with NISA) on penalties. Former USMNT member Juan Agudelo was voted TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament, notching three goals and an assist in Birmingham’s run.
In the First Round, Chattanooga won their first Open Cup game in four attempts, but they had to earn it as the Red Wolves needed extra time to defeat Brockton FC United (UPSL) 4-2. Just as Chattanooga appeared to be closing out a 2-0 win, Brockton scored in the 89th minute and stoppage time to tie the game 2-2 and force extra time. As the game seemed destined for penalties, second half substitute Ropapa Mensah scored in the 116th minute, then again near the final whistle.
Chattanooga edged 2023 NPSL runner-up Apotheos FC 1-0 in the Second Round. Stefan Lukic scored the lone goal in the 52nd minute to continue the firsts for the Red Wolves. The First Round was Chattanooga’s first Open Cup win and this victory sent them to the Third Round for the first time ever.
Chattanooga Red Wolves players celebrate in the locker room after a 1-0 road win over Apotheos FC in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Chattanooga’s time in USL League One has been up and down, missing the playoffs in 2019 and 2020 followed by reaching the semifinals (2021) and the Final in 2022 then crashing to 10th place in 2023. Their 2024 season is off to a slow start, the after a 1-0 loss to Lexington, The Red Wolves had to wait a month to defeat Central Valley Fuego 4-2, as their first two home games have been postponed due to the resodding of the playing field at CHI Memorial Stadium.
The Red Wolves also suffered a loss in court recently. A decision was handed down by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in favor of Arkansas State University, who previously issued a cease-and-desist order to the Chattanooga Red Wolves, asserting its exclusive rights to the Red Wolves name and logo. The Chattanooga Red Wolves have filed an appeal to the ruling.
Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
4th US Open Cup appearance (2019, 2022, 2023)
Overall: 5-3-1 (1-0 PK)
Home: 4-2-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 1-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2023)
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
4th US Open Cup appearance (2019, 2022-23)
Overall: 2-3-0
Away: 1-2-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-2-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022, 2023)
Chicago Fire FC II (MLSNP) vs. Indy Eleven (USL-C)
SeatGeek Stadium – Bridgeview, IL
8 pm ET
LIVE VIDEO
The Chicago Fire II began in 2022, along with the formation of MLS NEXT Pro. Up until then, the Fire used Chicago FC United in USL League Two as a reserve/youth team. That team qualified for the Open Cup five out of the six times (2004, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2012) under the Fire banner.
Chicago Fire II will have to go a long way to match their parent club’s Open up success. One thing the reserve Fire has upheld is advancing in the tournament. Only 10 times out of 24 appearances have the senior Fire failed to collect at least two wins. The next goal for Fire II will be to record their third win in the tournament, something the MLS club had done 14 times.
Chicago Fire II players celebrate after a 2-0 win over Forward Madison in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Chicago Fire FC
Last year, the Fire reached the Quarterfinals, and the absence of the Fire in 2024 will delay by another year their chance at winning a fifth Open Cup title which would join Bethlehem Steel, Maccabee AC and the Fall River Marksmen with the all-time record. The Fire II have played three draws in their four games in the young MLS NEXT Pro season, including a 5-5 slugfest with New York Red Bulls II on April 14. Since MLSNP uses PK shootouts to decide drawn games, the Fire II’s record stands at 3-1.
Indy Eleven got their start in 2014 in the NASL, a 2016 championship appearance has been their only success. When the NASL suspended operations after the 2017 season, Indy joined the USL where it has continued to struggle as a mid-table team, reaching the playoffs just three times in six seasons.
After starting the season 1-1, Indy went 0-3-1. Indy’s last three games have been against the top three clubs in the Eastern Conference, Detroit City (2-1 loss), Louisville City (5-3 loss) and Charleston (4-2 loss).
Indy Eleven fans set off smoke bombs after a goal was scored against the Michigan Stars in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Indy Eleven
Open Cup success has been elusive for Indy Eleven, in eight previous appearances the club has lost in their opening game four times and was eliminated in their second game the other four times.
Indianapolis first had a team in Open Cup play in the 1933 edition, when Indianapolis SC lost to the Cincinnati Kickers 3-2 in the Second Round of the Ohio qualifying tournament. Indianapolis SC tried again in the 1935 tournament, losing to the Kickers once again, 4-2.
Indianapolis has hosted four different Open Cup Finals as a neutral venue. First in 1990 when Chicago’s AAC Eagles defeated the Brooklyn Italians 2-1. In 1992 and 1993 Indy was the Finals host when San Jose Oaks defeated Vasco da Gama (CT) 2-1 and CD Mexico (now El Farolito) bested United German Hungarians (Philadelphia area) 5-0. Finally in 1997 when the Dallas Burn (FC Dallas) won the cup over DC United on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
Chicago Fire FC II (MLSNP)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-0
Home: 2-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Indy Eleven (USL-C)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
9th US Open Cup appearance (2014-2019, 2022, 2023)
Overall: 4-7-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 0-5-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 4-2-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014, 2016)
FC Tulsa (USL-C) Vs. Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1)
University of Tulsa Soccer and Track Stadium – Tulsa, OK
8 pm ET
LIVE VIDEO
Northern Colorado cruised past Tulsa Athletic (NPSL) 4-1 in the First Round, getting goals from four different players and outshooting their amateur opponents 24-8. In the Second Round the Hailstorm avenged their 2023 loss to the Colorado Rapids by defeating their reserve team 3-2 after extra time. After the Rapids tied the game in second half stoppage time, David Garcia returned the favor for Northern Colorado by scoring the winning goal in stoppage time of extra time.
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC players celebrate a goal against Colorado Rapids 2 in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Evan Munoz
The Hailstorm will have a huge hole to fill on offense as Trevor Amann, who set the USL League One single season record with 23 goals scored in 2023. He departed for the Sacramento Republic. The team will also be without league assists leader Arthur Rogers, who signed with FC Tulsa. The Hailstorm are struggling early on without these players, holding an 0-2-1 record, only scoring once in the three games.
Northern Colorado’s best Open Cup performance came in 2022, when they knocked off in-state rival Colorado Springs Switchbacks 1-0 in extra time in the Second Round, and then upset Real Salt Lake of MLS 1-0 in the Third Round, scoring on their only shot on goal. The run ended with a 2-0 defeat to fellow USL League One upstarts Union Omaha. Northern Colorado has yet to play at home in the Open Cup, The first two matches the club played in its history in 2022 were Open Cup matches, as they were behind in starting their inaugural league season. It’s a feat that was matched this year by NISA’s Irvine Zeta, whose season was pushed back two weeks.
MORE: Are Northern Colorado Hailstorm better without Amann, Rogers, and Cornwall? They think so
FC Tulsa began playing as the Tulsa Roughnecks in 2014, paying homage to the NASL team that played from 1978-1984. After the team changed ownership in late 2019, the team was re-named FC Tulsa for the 2020 season. Tulsa has struggled in the bottom half of the standings for its nine seasons, only reaching the playoffs three times. Tulsa are currently 2-1-1 in league play, and are coming off a 1-1 draw with Sacramento Republic on April 13.
Players from FC Tulsa (white) and Tulsa Athletic battle for the ball in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Tulsa
Open Cup success for FC Tulsa has been hard to come by. Three of their last four appearances have ended after one game, and Tulsa’s only “win” over another pro team in five tries was a PK shootout win over San Antonio FC in 2017 after a 0-0 draw. Tulsa’s one Open Cup game against Division 3 opposition came in 2015, when they lost 1-0 to in state rivals Oklahoma City Energy.
While the original NASL avoided the Open Cup during its existence, in 1983 the Tulsa Roughnecks showed interest in entering. While it was too late to join the ’83 tournament, plans were made for 1984. Unfortunately, the league folded before that could happen, and Tulsa’s Open Cup plans had to be scrapped.
FC Tulsa (USL-C)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
8th US Open Cup appearance (2015-2019, 2022, 2023)
Overall: 3-7-1 (1-0 PK)
Home: 3-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2017)
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
3rd US Open Cup appearance (2022-23)
Overall: 5-2-0
Away: 5-2-0
vs. Div. 2: 2-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)
Union Omaha (USL-1) vs. El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C)
Werner Park – Papillion, NE
8 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO
Making their third appearance in the Open Cup, Union Omaha has a high bar to duplicate their best showing in the tournament. In 2022 the Owls knocked off two MLS clubs (Chicago Fire & Minnesota United) to reach the Quarterfinals. The run ended with a 6-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City, but the scoreline did not diminish Omaha’s feat of becoming the first team from Nebraska to reach the Quarterfinals and the first third division team to do so since 2013. Omaha saw their cup run end abruptly last year with a 5-1 loss to St. Louis CITY in front of a Third Round record crowd of 22,423 fans in St. Louis.
Union finished the 2023 USL League One season in first place but were upset by the Charlotte Independence in the playoff semifinals on penalty kicks after a scoreless draw. Dominic Casciato was named USL League One Coach of the Year for the 2023 season. Omaha is currently riding a 16-match unbeaten streak that stretches back to last season, and are currently 2-0-0 in league play.
Photos by Trevor Hellman – @trevhellman
In the First Round, Omaha had a relatively easy time defeating the Western Mass Pioneers (USL-2) 4-0. After being held to a 1-0 lead at the half, the floodgates opened after halftime and Omaha scored three more times, including Joe Gallardo completing a hat trick and getting strong support for TheCup.us Player of the Round honors.
In the Second Round, Omaha overcame the Des Moines Menace and their squad featuring a few retired MLS players, 3-1. Perdro Delabella and Marco Milanese gave Omaha 2-0 halftime lead, and Lagos Kunga added the third goal deep into second half stoppage time.
MORE: Union Omaha owners, city officials announce soccer stadium plans
El Paso began in 2019, filling the void left by the El Paso Patriots (1995 US Open Cup runners-up) when they ceased operations in 2013. Locomotive found success at first, reaching the Western Conference final two years in a row. El Paso gained one of the top two playoff seeds in 2021, only to be upset by the Oakland Roots in the first round. In 2022 they missed the playoffs and just made the cut in 2023 with a 7th place Conference finish. El Paso are off to a dismal start in 2024, still looking for their first win at 0-5-1, having lost their last four games.
Players from Forward Madison (left) and El Paso Locomotive battle for the ball in their Second Round match in the 2019 US OpenCup. Photo: El Paso Locomotive
El Paso are still looking for their first Open Cup win since they began play in 2019. Locomotive have played only three Open Cup games, all against USL League One opposition. In 2019 they were shut out by Forward Madison 3-0, In 2022 the Central Valley Fuego posted a 4-1 win over El Paso , and in 2023 Locomotive fell 2-0 to their current opponents Union Omaha.
Union Omaha (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
3rd US Open Cup appearance (2022-23)
Overall: 6-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Home: 4-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-0-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2022)
El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
4th US Open Cup appearance (2019, 2022, 2023)
Overall: 0-3-0
vs. Away: 0-2-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-3-0
Best finish: Second Round (2019, 2022, 2023)
Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C) vs. Spokane Velocity FC (USL-1)
Cashman Field – Las Vegas, NV
10:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO
Las Vegas’ short Open Cup history isn’t much to write home about. They’ve never advanced to a third game in their four appearances, and are 1-2 against fellow professional teams, the lone win being a 4-0 victory over NISA’s LA Force last year. The record for Las Vegas in USL Championship play isn’t much better. In its six seasons the club has yet to reach the playoffs. In fact, Vegas has gone above 10 wins just twice (2019, 2022). The club was sold before the 2024 season to an investor group led by former Major League Baseball star Jose Bautista. Las Vegas has a 3-3-0 record in league play, matching their win total for 2023, their three-game win streak being broken with a 3-1 loss to Monterey Bay on April 13.
The city of Spokane returned to the Open Cup for the first time since 2004, when the Spokane Shadow the PDL (now USL League Two) dropped a first round game to the Sacramento Knights (USASA/NPSL). The team’s name and crest reference the Spokane River, which runs through the city. The club also has a team in the USL W League, the Spokane Zephyr FC, set for their debut season as well in 2024.
The Velocity have signed midfielder and former MLS player Luis Gil, whose nine assists with Union Omaha was good for second in USL League One in 2023. Also joining the Velocity is midfielder Andre Lewis, who has appeared in 100 games with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks and Hartford Athletic from 2020-2023. Up front Spokane will feature forward Romain Métanire, who logged 77 games with Minnesota United from 2019-2022, and has 27 caps for Madagascar. Spokane are off to a 2-2-1 start in USL League One play.
Luis Gil of Spokane Velocity celebrates his goal against LA Force FC in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Gerald Barnhart – InlandSoccerNews.com
Spokane traveled to Seattle for the First Round, where an Andre Lewis goal seven minutes deep into second half stoppage time gave Spokane a 1-0 win and spoiled Ballard FC’s dream of upsetting the rookie professional club. In the Second Round Spokane took out the LA Force (NISA) 1-0 on Luis Gil’s 85th minute winner.
Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
5th US Open Cup appearance (2018, 2019, 2022, 2023)
Overall: 3-4-0
Home: 3-2-0
vs. Div. 3: 1-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2018, 2019, 2023)
Spokane Velocity FC (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Monterey Bay F.C. (USL-C) Vs. Irvine Zeta FC (NISA)
Cardinale Stadium – Seaside, CA
10:30 pm ET
LIVE VIDEO
Behind Rhode Island, Monterey Bay has the least experience of all the USL Championship clubs. having only played two seasons, Monterey Bay have struggled to find success, finishing both seasons near the bottom of the standings. They’ve found a bit more success in the Open Cup, upsetting the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0, and then holding Los Angeles FC to a 2-2 draw before being eliminated on penalties. The early 2024 season is off to a fantastic start for Monterey Bay, going 2-1-1 in their last four games for a 3-1-2 record.
Christian Volesky of Monterey Bay FC scored the lone goal against the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Kiera Winslow Monterey Bay FC
Led by club president Cary Lyu, Irvine Zeta are the first Chinese-founded professional club in the United States. Irvine Zeta initially qualified through the Open Division Local qualifiers, then later made a move to field a professional team in NISA, whose clubs are granted automatic entry into the US Open Cup.
The Irvine Zeta senior team defeated 2023 National Amateur Cup champions SC MesoAmerica 1-0 in a tight contest to advance to the Second Round. Zeta then rolled over Ventura County FC (formerly LA Galaxy II) 3-0, giving them wins in their first two official matches as a professional team. Due to NISA pushing the start of their season back two weeks, Irvine Zeta, joined the 2022 Northern Colorado Hailstorm (USL-1) by playing, and winning, their first two matches as a club in the Open Cup. Having finally started their 2024 NISA season, Irvine Zeta have two draws, 2-2 with the LA Force, and 1-1 vs. Capo FC.
Players from Ventura County FC (left) and Irvine Zeta FC battle for the ball in a Second Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Ortiz – mikeortizphotography.com
Monterey Bay FC (USL-C)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
3rd US Open Cup appearance (2022, 2023)
Overall: 2-1-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 1-0-1 (0-1)
vs. Div. 3: 1-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2023)
Irvine Zeta FC (NISA)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
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