The U.S. Open Cup third round matches saw one big upset, while the remaining amateur teams bowed out of the competition.
Christos FC scored in the first minute over Chicago United FC and never looked back for the victory. The Baltimore-based club never expected to find this success in the Open Cup but defeated USL side Richmond Kickers in the second round and will look to keep playing the part of Giant Killers as the tournament continues.
Here’s a closer look at the third round results.
Rochester Rhinos 2-1 GPS Omens
Rochester Rhinos survived a scare from amateur side GPS Omens. Keith Cambell tied the game for the Omens at one on a 55th minute free kick goal. Sergio Campbell nearly won it for the Rhinos in regulation, but his header was tipped over the crossbar. Just before the final whistle blew to send the game to penalty kicks, Edoung-Biye headed past Omens keeper Abdu-Glass for the win. The Rhinos will face the New England Revolution next on June 14.
FC Cincinnati 1-0 Louisville City
Djiby Fall scored the lone goal for FC Cincinnati as they defeated Louisville City FC. Cincinnati moves on to face Columbus Crew at home on June 14.
Jacksonville Armada 0-1 Charleston Battery
Drew Beckie’s 25th minute own goal was all the Charleston Battery needed to defeat the Jacksonville Armada as Ataulla Guerra’s cross forced Beckie to play the ball into his own net. The Battery will now face Atlanta United June 14th at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
Reading United 0-3 Harrisburg City Islanders
The Harrisburg City Islanders dashed Reading United’s dreams in convincing fashion. Harrisburg scored twice within the first 15 minutes of the game, and never looked back. The City Islanders sealed the victory with a third goal just after halftime. The City Islanders will take on Philadelphia Union in the next round.
Miami FC 2-0 Tampa Bay Rowdies
Vincenzo Rennella’s 73nd minute penalty proved to be the game winner for Miami FC when the Rowdies’ Georgi Hristov fouled Dylan Mares to concede the penalty. Jamie Chavez doubled the lead in the 82nd as Miami continued their winning ways from the NASL season and will now face Orlando City SC in the next round.
North Carolina FC 4-1 Charlotte Independence
North Carolina FC knocked off the Charlotte Independence for the second year in a row by a score of 4-1. Carolina’s goals came from James Marcelin, Nazmi Albadawi, and Connor Tobin. Alex Martinez scored Charlotte’s lone goal of the night in stoppage time. North Carolina will welcome the Houston Dynamo on June 14 in the next round.
Tulsa Roughnecks 0(7)-0(6) San Antonio FC
The Tulsa Roughnecks and San Antonio FC had to settle for penalties to find a winner Wednesday night. Fabian Cerda stopped two shots on the way to the Roughnecks’ victory. Cerda also came up big during the match stopping San Antonio on a number of occasions as Tulsa will take on FC Dallas in the next round.
Chicago FC Utd 0–1 Christos FC
Christos FC pulled off a big upset over Chicago FC United to move onto the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup. Aquilas Levi Houanpeu scored in the first minute of the match, and it was all Christos needed to see the game out. Christos opened a GoFundMe campaign to pay for airfare, accommodations, and incremental expenses just to compete against Chicago. Their victory sees them face D.C. United in the next round.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks 1-2 OKC Energy
Jose Barril and Wojciech Wojcik scored as the OKC Energy defeated the Colorado Springs Switchbacks in Colorado Springs Wednesday night. Despite their best attempts, the Switchbacks had difficulty finding the net. Eventually, the Switchbacks found an equalizer via the penalty spot. Jordan Burt scored to half the lead, but that was as close as the Switchbacks would come. OKC takes on the Colorado Rapids in the fourth round.
L.A. Wolves 0-1 Orange County SC
Orange County edged the L.A. Wolves, 1-0, on the back of Roy Meeus free kick goal. The Wolves came close, but could not find an equalizer, hitting the woodwork early in the second half. LA Galaxy will take on Orange County in the next round.
Phoenix Rising FC 1-2 San Francisco Deltas
Omar Bravo’s goal from the penalty spot was cancelled out by a stoppage time goal from Tommy Heinemann as San Francisco Deltas escaped their encounter with Phoenix Rising FC. Kyle Bekker opened the scoring in the 82nd minute. Omar Bravo’s equalizer came just four minutes later. The Deltas will head to San Jose to face the Earthquakes in the next round.
Sacramento Republic FC 2-0 Reno 1868 FC
An intense and physical game between Sacramento Republic FC and Reno 1868 FC saw the home team through thanks to goals from Harry Williams and Trevin Caesar. Sacramento will welcome Real Salt Lake for the Fourth Round match.
Took a day but Wynalda’s saltiness is coming through on twitter.
Christos FC will probably be the favorite with the way United is playing.
Good crowds in Cincy, Louisville and Tulsa at 5K plus. Only a few other game broke 2K
Quick, someone tell me what the low ratings and silence within this thread has to do with promotion / relegation.
Bueller…Bueller…Bueller…
Would, but I’m too busy treading water. Getting some practice in after today’s news