By TRAVIS CLARK
U.S. Soccer's knockout tournament is officially back. After two months of intermittent play-in matches between a handful of MLS matches, the tournament proper began between a number of amateur and second/third division clubs in action.
Perhaps the only upset emerging from Tuesday night's opening-round matches was the triumph of USL-2 side Richmond Kickers, winners over USSF D-2 side Crystal Palace Baltimore 1-0. Amateur side Arizona Sahuaros beat PDL Ventura County Fusion on penalty kicks in the other notable result.
The rest of the USSF D-2 teams in action all won — Miami FC needed extra time against the Central Florida Kraze, but scored four in the added time to run away 5-1 winners. The Portland Timbers got two late goals to pad the final scoreline over the Sonoma County Sol, 3-0. Even struggling A.C. St. Louis avoided the upset, winning 1-0 against the Des Moines Menace.
Here's a look at the rest of the results from the opening round of the U.S. Open Cup:
U.S. OPEN CUP ROUND 1
Long Island Rough Riders 2, NY Pancyprian Freedoms 0
Harrisburg City Islanders 4, Brooklyn Italians 2
Real Maryland 2, Reading United 1
Charleston Battery 4, CASL Elite 2
Carolina Railhawks 1, Charlotte Eagles 0
Rochester Rhinos 2, Dayton Dutch Lions 0
Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2, Detroit United 0
NSC Minnesota Stars 4, KC Athletics 2
Tampa Bay Rowdies 3, Legends FC 0
Austin Aztex 3, DFW Tornadoes 0
Kitsap Pumas 4, Bay Area Ambassadors 2
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What do you make of the U.S. Open Cup results? Excited to see the tournament underway?
Share your thoughts below.
Love the Open Cup updates!
Impressive performance from Rochester in the first half, when they notched both of their goals. Energy let down in the 2nd half, but Dayton couldn’t capitalize. I’m hoping with another win, an MLS side might travel to Upstate NY.
after the 2nd round is complete
My question is when will we know who the winners of the second round play..when are the MLS teams placed into the bracket?
Yes very good no upsets fantasic 🙂
Eight MLS teams enter in the third round to face the eight second round winners. Go Aztex!!!
when are the MLS teams going to be placed into the bracket??
woowoo Pumas!!!
Great result for Tampa! They dominated throughout with a squad comprised mainly of reserves. Next week’s game against Miami should be a good one. It would be great to see the Rowdies play an MLS team in a real competition (they tied FC Dallas and beat the Union in the preseason).
to be honest I know nothing about the Brooklyn Italians I just felt that I needed to represent for Brooklyn, but what I can tell you is that most sunday soccer leagues in brooklyn are very physicals…. it is most def a mans game out here
went to the Brooklyn game last night… your team is a bunch of bums. Real dirty… glad the Islanders could take care of business.
Too bad about CASL Elite – would’ve been nice to have both Raleigh-based teams move on 🙂
NOOOOOO Brooklyn