The New York Cosmos set up an all-New York matchup in the fourth round of the 2016 U.S. Open Cup with their third-round victory over the Jersey Express on Wednesday.
The win by the Cosmos was one of seven by NASL sides during the 15-game slate on Wednesday. Six USL teams moved on to the fourth round as well.
Ayoze Garcia and Yohandry Orozco netted a goal each in the win by Giovani Savarese’s men at Belson Stadium on the campus of St. John’s. The victory secured a matchup between the Cosmos and New York City FC at Fordham University on June 15.
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers opened Wednesday with a win in penalties over the Richmond Kickers. The Strikers won the shootout 2-0 to advance to the fourth round to play D.C. United.
Tony Meola’s Jacksonville Armada were one of two sides that won in extra time in the third round. The NASL side downed the Charleston Battery 2-1 thanks to Alhassan Keita’s 108th-minute winner. Jacksonville faces Orlando City in the next round.
The Carolina RailHawks used five tallies in extra time to defeat fellow North Carolina side Charlotte Independence. Carolina will face the New England Revolution in the fourth round.
In the first-ever Oklahoma City derby, OKC Energy took down Rayo OKC 2-1 behind a goal from Kyle Hyland in the 107th minute. The Energy will visit FC Dallas in the fourth round.
The biggest upset of the third round came from PDL side Kitsap Pumas, who went into Bonney Field to take down USL club Sacramento Republic 3-1. USASA team LA Maquina FC advanced to play the LA Galaxy with a 2-0 win over fellow USASA club LA Wolves
Seventeen of Major League Soccer’s 20 clubs will enter the competition in the fourth round to be played on June 15. Orlando, New England, Sporting Kansas City and the New York Red Bulls will hit the road. Portland and San Jose will play in the only all-MLS matchup in the fourth round at Providence Park.
Third Round Results
Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 1-1 (2-0 on penalties) Richmond Kickers
Jacksonville Armada 2-1 (a.e.t.) Charleston Battery
Rochester Rhinos 2-0 Lansdowne Bhoys FC
Indy Eleven 2-1 Louisville City FC
New York Cosmos 2-0 Jersey Express
Carolina RailHawks 5-0 (a.e.t.) Charlotte Independence
Chattanooga FC 1-2 Harrisburg City Islanders
Tampa Bay Rowdies 1-0 FC Cincinnati
Miami FC 1-2 Wilmington Hammerheads
Rayo OKC 1-2 OKC Energy
Saint Louis FC 0-2 Minnesota United
Des Moines Menace 1-2 San Antonio FC
La Maquina FC 2-0 LA Wolves
Arizona United 0-3 Colorado Springs Switchbacks
Sacramento Republic 1-3 Kitsap Pumas
Fourth Round Matches
Orlando City at Jacksonville Armada
Indy Eleven at Chicago Fire
New York Cosmos at New York City FC
Harrisburg City Islanders at Philadelphia Union
New England Revolution at Carolina RailHawks
Tampa Bay Rowdies at Columbus Crew
New York Red Bulls at Rochester Rhinos
Fort Lauderdale Strikers at D.C. United
Sporting Kansas City at Minnesota United
OKC Energy at FC Dallas
San Antonio FC at Houston Dynamo
Colorado Springs Switchbacks at Colorado Rapids
Wilmington Hammerheads at Real Salt Lake
Kitsap Pumas at Seattle Sounders
San Jose Earthquakes at Portland Timbers
Cosmos need to take out NYCFC and the Red Bulls need to dispatch the Rhinos so that we can have a Red vs. Green match-up for the third straight year. Make it happen!
meh. Blue Team vs Green Team in the Delusions of Grandeur Cup.
Honestly, who doesn’t want to see the Cosmos beat NYCFC? Either team will get trounced in the next round anyway.
Much better showing for NASL teams last night compared to last year.
Saw parts of the Rowdies v. Cincinnati game last night online. Cincinnati came to Florida to play, it was a very open and enjoyable game to watch.
Kinda bummed. I wanted to see the first Crew vs FC Cincinnati game. Sounds like Harkes put a good squad out there, but just couldn’t get a goal vs Tampa.
Wear your heavy-duty shin guards, NYCFC.