By MATT STYPULKOSKI
The 2015 U.S. Open Cup kicked off in late April with two preliminary-round games. Now the winners of those contests – Cal FC and Harpo’s FC – are set to join 40 other teams in the competition’s first round on Wednesday.
This year’s Open Cup is still several rounds away from the inclusion of NASL or MLS sides. In fact, even USL sides will not join the tournament until the second round.
That leaves the current population of clubs split among four amateur leagues – NPSL, PDL, USASA and USSSA – jockeying for a chance to play the professionals.
Here’s a list of Wednesday’s first-round matchups, including live-stream information where available (after the jump):
Fort Pitt Regiment FC (NPSL) at West Virginia Chaos (PDL), 7 p.m.
Greater Binghamton FC Thunder (NPSL) at Western Mass Pioneers (PDL), 7 p.m.
RWB Adria (USASA) vs. Lansing United (NPSL), 7 p.m.
SW Florida Adrenaline (PDL) at Miami United (NPSL), 7 p.m.
Triangle Brigade (USASA) Upward Stars (NPSL), 7 p.m.
Virginia Beach City FC (NPSL) vs. AC Connecticut (PDL), 7 p.m.
Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) at Long Island Rough Riders (PDL), 8, p.m.
Detroit City FC (NPSL) at Michigan Bucks (PDL), 7:30 p.m. WATCH
Ocala Stampede (PDL) vs. Chattanooga FC (NPSL), 7:30 p.m. WATCH
New York Greek Americans (USASA) at Jersey Express (PDL), 8 p.m.
Maryland Bays (USASA) at Reading United AC (PDL), 7 p.m.
Seacoast United Phantoms (PDL) vs. GPS-Massachusetts (USASA), 8 p.m.
Madison Fire (USASA) at Des Moines Menace (PDL), 8:30 p.m. WATCH
Tulsa Athletics (NPSL) vs. Midland/Odessa Sockers (PDL), 8:30 p.m. WATCH
NTX Rayados (USASA) vs. Laredo Heat SC (PDL), 9:15 p.m. WATCH
Harpo’s FC (USSSA) at BYU Cougars (PDL), 9:30 p.m. WATCH
Chula Vista FC (USASA) at FC Tucson (PDL), 9:30 p.m. WATCH
Kitsap Pumas (PDL) at FC Tacoma 253 (NPSL), 9:30 p.m. WATCH
Burlingame Dragons (Calif.; PDL) at Sonoma County Sol (NPSL), 10 p.m.
Cal FC (USASA) at Ventura County Fusion (PDL), 10 p.m. WATCH
Golden State Misioneros FC (PDL) at PSA Elite (USASA), 10 p.m.
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What do you think of the matchups? Plan to attend any games? Who do you see emerging from the first round?
Share your thoughts below.
Can’t wait for the US Cup!!
The Cup that MLS doesn’t care! Lol
Brooklyn Italians v Long Island Rough Riders
That match up has some legit history. The Italians have won 2 USOC titles
May check out the New York Greek Americans v. Jersey Express game tonight but will definitely go next week to watch the winner play RBNY II.
Yeah I like the early rounds, they seem to care a lot more. A lot like college vs pro sports.
Love the Open Cup and 9/21 games being streamed is pretty good for a round with all amateur clubs. Cal FC vs. VC Fusion and Detroit City vs. Michigan Bucks are the two I’ll be keeping an eye on most closely.
Thinkin the same thing.
Chula Vista vs FC Tucson should be a good one. The Puget Sound match up of Kitsap vs Tacoma looks good too. but ya no question the Michigan Bucks vs Detroit City is the match of the round.
enjoying the good coverage by US Soccer this year in addition to the usual players
Some truly wondrous team names in this round.
Triangle Brigade vs Upwards Stars takes the cake. bummed out that the Pennsylvania Stoners (real team) didn’t qualify