By ADAM TROXTELL
The second round of the U.S. Open Cup has USL teams thrown into the mix, and they’ll face more than just a few smaller opponents.
Wednesday night’s action has regional David-versus-Goliath battles as teams from the lower divisions match up against larger, local rivals. Near the top of this list will be LA Galaxy II’s matchup with Ventura County Fusion.
The second round is also the first chance for new MLS-affiliated teams to get a taste of the USOC competition. New York Red Bulls II has its first outing in the cup against the Premier Development League’s Jersey Express.
Down in Texas, it’s an old-fashioned shootout between the Austin Aztex and Laredo Heat. Now in the USL, the Aztex competed directly with the Heat for supremacy in the PDL Mid South Division between 2012 and 2014.
Round two is already underway, as Portland Timbers 2 recorded its first ever victory in the competition, 2-0 against Michigan Bucks on Tuesday.
Here is a list of Wednesday’s second round action, including live-stream information where available (after the jump):
Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL) vs. West Virginia Chaos (NPSL), 7 p.m.
Wilmington Hammerheads (USL) vs. Chattanooga FC (NPSL), 7 p.m. (WATCH)
Richmond Kickers (USL) vs. Virginia Beach City FC (NPSL), 7 p.m.
Rochester Rhinos (USL) vs. Greater Binghamton FC (NPSL), 7:05 p.m.
Lansing United (NPSL) vs. Louisville City (USL), 7 p.m.
Reading United A.C. (PDL) vs. Harrisburg City Islanders (USL), 7 p.m.
Charleston Battery (USL) vs. Miami United (NPSL), 7:30 p.m.
Charlotte Independence (USL) vs. Upward Stars (NPSL), 7:30 p.m.
Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) vs. Real Monarchs SCL (USL), 7:30 p.m.
Jersey Express (PDL) vs. New York Red Bulls II (USL), 8 p.m. (WATCH)
Tulsa Roughnecks FC (USL) vs. Seacoast United Phantoms (PDL), 8:05 p.m.
Saint Louis FC (USL) vs. Des Moines Menace (PDL), 8 p.m.
Midland/Odessa Sockers (PDL) vs. OKC Energy FC (USL), 8:30 p.m. (WATCH)
Austin Aztex (USL) vs. Laredo Heat (PDL), 9 p.m.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL) vs. Harpo’s FC (USSSA)
PSA Elite (USASA) vs. Orange County Blues (USL), 10 p.m.
Arizona United (USL) vs. Chula Vista FC (USASA), 10:30 p.m.
LA Galaxy II (USL) vs. Ventura County Fusion (PDL), 10:30 p.m.
Sacramento Republic FC (USL) vs. Sonoma County Sol (PDL), 10:30 p.m. (WATCH)
Seattle Sounders FC 2 (USL) vs. Kitsap Pumas (PDL), 10:30 p.m.