New England Revolution - 2007 US Open Cup Champions

New England 3-2 FC Dallas
After 12 years of trying, the Revolution finally have a trophy to call their own. The result goes against most of the run of play, which saw FCD control and attack, but is still a deserved victory. The key was making the most of the opposition's mistake and the Revs did that a little better on the night.

Pat Noonan had a good evening, as did Taylor Twellman. For Dallas, Arturo Alvarez was a major factor and it was good to see Kenny Cooper back in things, however it might have been a little too soon for such an important match.

Congratulations to New England for the victory.

Goals:
NE: Pat Noonan 21'
FCD: Arturo Alvarez 30'
NE: Taylor Twellman 41'
NE: Wells Thompson 57'
FCD: Abe Thompson 64'

2007 US Open Cup Final - Can New England win something in Dallas?

New England Revolution vs. FC Dallas
7pm at Pizza Hut Park
TV: Fox Soccer Channel
Radio: Dallas - KXEZ-FM (92.1), KZMP-AM (1540 in Spanish)

Another addition of the greatest trophy that few seem to care about comes to a close tonight when the Revolution look to earn their first silverware against FC Dallas in a stadium that has not been very kind to them in these sort of situations. For FCD, the Open Cup is the only trophy they have in the cabinet (from a 1997 win against DC United), and if current league form is any indication, the only trophy they might get this year. So to say this means something to both teams is a bit of an understatement.

Although this game is going to be in front of a very pro-Dallas crowd, the Revs look to have the advantage. FCD's midfield as been a disaster over the past month while New England, thanks to some stellar play by Shalrie Joseph, has owned the middle third. The problem for the Revs, Joseph will not be on the field due to a red card. That means Steve Ralston and Andy Dorman will need to step up their game and give Taylor Twellman some good balls.

On the defensive side of things, Michael Parkhurst is having a fantastic season while Matt Reis is a wall in goal. Add it the madness of Jay Heaps and it becomes hard to find a way that the Revs will lose tonight.

But the thing about Dallas is they often find ways of fighting their way into things. Carlos Ruiz has looked better of late, which should cause some trouble for Parkhurst but Ruiz alone will not get his team the cup. If Denilson is on the pitch (something that I'm not sure is going to happen), he needs to finally show something. Cause some confusion on the dribble, pass the ball over to Toja and see what happens. If they can get Arturo Alvarez involved, who knows, they might shock the Revs. Heck, they might even try putting Kenny Cooper in as a target for balls into the middle, now that would surprise some people.

This should be a good game, but I don't see many goals coming of it (unless the Revs gut Dallas). My guess is New England finally wins a final in Dallas and gets something to brag about, oh, and Ruiz will be at the middle of some odd foul call (but isn't that every match?).

2007 US Open Cup Quarterfinals are over and New England moves on

Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) 1-2 NE Revolution (MLS)
The US Open Cup quarterfinals are over and the New England Revolution have moved on to the semifinals for the first time in six years.

The Revs jumped out to a 2-goal lead by the quarter hour mark thanks to goals by Andy Dorman and Taylor Twellman, but the Islanders didn't surrender and in the 78' they got one back. However, they couldn't get past the Revs. Any hope of a last minute miracle was arrested in the 90' when Anthony Calvano got a straight red and was sent off.

New England will face Carolina in the semis while FC Dallas will take on Seattle.

Quarterfinals results:
Game Number Date, Teams, Venue, Time
33 August 8, Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) 1-2 NE Revolution (MLS)
34 August 7, Richmond Kickers (USL-2) 0-1 Carolina Railhawks (USL-1)
35 August 7, FC Dallas (MLS) 2-1 Charleston Battery (USL-1)
36 August 7, Colorado Rapids (MLS) 0-5 Seattle Sounders (USL-1)

Semifinals schedule:
Game Number Date, Teams, Venue, Time
37 September 4, Carolina RailHawks (USL-1) at New England Revolution (MLS), Veterans Stadium; New Britain, CT,7:00 p.m.
38 September 4, FC Dallas (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (USL-1), Qwest Field; Seattle, WA, 10:00 p.m.

2007 US Open Cup Quarterfinals end tonight - Can New England make it to the semis?

Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) vs. New England Revolution (MLS)
The US Open Cup quarterfinals come to a conclusion tonight as the New England Revolution welcome USL second division side the Harrisburg City Islanders to town. The Islanders have been on a roll in the second division as well as in the Cup, but with the Revs taking the tournament very seriously and a favorable schedule that has them playing LA at home on Sunday, look for New England to try and smack them around like Seattle did to Colorado last night.

New England will hope to use their home pitch advantage in much the same way that other clubs have in the tournament to earn a trip to their first US Open semifinal match since 2001.

For the Islanders, they will need a far amount of luck to win this one. I'm guessing they will use the standard 'hold them off and try to sneak something in' method most underdogs use, but I think this would be foolish. The Revs have been shaky on defense in the last few weeks so why not take it right to them. If they can disrupt the midfield distribution, they stand a fantastic chance.

You will be able to hear an audio stream of the match at the Revs website.

Game Number Date, Teams, Venue, Time
33 August 8, Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) at NE Revolution (MLS), Gillette Stadium; Foxborough, Mass., 7:30 pm ET
34 August 7, Richmond Kickers (USL-2) 0-1 Carolina Railhawks (USL-1)
35 August 7, FC Dallas (MLS) 2-1 Charleston Battery (USL-1)
36 August 7, Colorado Rapids (MLS) 0-5 Seattle Sounders (USL-1)

2007 US Open Cup Quarterfinal results - FCD moves along, Colorado is humiliated

Three of the four quarterfinals are over and the news for the MLS is mixed as FC Dallas pulled out a win while Seattle destroyed Colorado in amazing fashion. In the lone USL vs. USL meeting, Carolina held out against Richmond to advance to the semifinals.

However, the collapse of Colorado has got to be the story of the night. Down three at halftime, they shifted to a three-man backline to increase their offense only to see things get even worse. With the way this club looked tonight added to their current MLS form, one has to wonder what it would take for Fernando Clavijo to get fired. Don't get me wrong, I like Clavijo but his club is heading backwards in a hurry and something needs to change.

FC Dallas was the only road team to win on the night meaning home sides are 27 for 35 in this year's open.

Richmond looked good through out their match with Carolina but the Railhawks just had a little more push in this one.

Game Number Date, Teams, Venue, Time
33 August 8, Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) at NE Revolution (MLS), Gilette Stadium; Foxborough, Mass., 7:30 pm ET
34 August 7, Richmond Kickers (USL-2) 0-1 Carolina Railhawks (USL-1)
35 August 7, FC Dallas (MLS) 2-1 Charleston Battery (USL-1)
36 August 7, Colorado Rapids (MLS) 0-5 Seattle Sounders (USL-1)

2007 US Open Cup Quarter finals start tonight - Will the USL continue to control the MLS?

The US Open Cup Quarter-final round gets under way tonight with three games on the schedule. The big question going into the action is will the MLS clubs produce. After going 3 for 8 in the last round, they are under pressure to make something happen. However, if results so far are any indication of how things will turn out, it might be a difficult run for the top league in the country.

So far in the tournament, home teams have won 25 of the 32 meetings (including going 7 for 8 in the last round), meaning there is a serious advantage to playing on your own pitch. With both MLS sides playing tonight doing so on the road, well you can see why they should be a little nervous.

By the way, all three of tonight's games will stream live, for free over the internet thanks to USLlive.com.

Here are the games:
Richmond Kickers (USL-2) vs. Carolina RailHawks (USL-1)
7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT
USLlive.com

FC Dallas (MLS) vs. Charleston Battery (USL-1)
7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT
USLlive.com

Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (USL-1)
10pm ET/ 7pm PT
USLlive.com

To take a guess at the outcome of these matches, I think Carolina, FC Dallas and Seattle will advance.

2007 US Open Cup Third Round done - Another MLS team gone

Chivas USA 1-3 Seattle Sounders
The woeful work of MLS clubs in the US Open Cup continued last night as Chivas USA were thrown from the tournament by a Sounders team managed to make the most of everything they got. Much like in MLS play, the goats failed on the road because they could not create anything out of what they were handed. They out shot the Sounder and controlled the ball for significant stretches of the match, but they couldn't make Seattle sweat.

The win means home teams went 7 for 8 in the round and are 25 for 32 overall. Seattle will hope this trend continues as they play host to Colorado in the quarterfinals on August 7.

Here are the results from the third round:
Game Number, Date, Teams
25 July 11, DC United (MLS) 0-1 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2)
26 July 10, NE Revolution (MLS) 4-2 Rochester Rhinos (USL-1)
27 July 10, Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) 0-1 Richmond Kickers (USL-2)
28 July 15, Chicago Fire (MLS) 0-1 Carolina RailHawks (USL-1)
29 July 9, Atlanta Silverbacks (USL-1) 1-1 FC Dallas (MLS) FC Dallas wins on pks 4-3
30 July 10, Houston Dynamo (MLS) 0-1 Charleston Battery (USL-1)
31 July 10, California Victory (USL-1) 1-3 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
32 July 18, Chivas USA (MLS) 1-3 Seattle Sounders (USL-1)

Fourth Round schedule:
Game Number Date, Teams, Venue, Time
33 August 8, Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) at NE Revolution (MLS), Gilette Stadium; Foxborough, Mass., 7:30 pm ET
34 August 7, Richmond Kickers (USL-2) at Carolina Railhawks (USL-1), SAS Soccer Park; Cary, N.C., 7:30 pm ET
35 August 7, FC Dallas (MLS) at Charleston Battery (USL-1), Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston S.C., 7:30 pm ET
36 August 7, Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (USL-1), Qwest Field; Seattle, Wash., 7 pm PT

With the way home teams have been playing, there is a very good chance that only one of the three remaining MLS teams will make it out of this round. Could this be the first year since 1999 that a MLS club does not win the US Open Cup?

2007 US Open Cup Third Round ends tonight

The third round of the great US Open Cup comes to a conclusion tonight as Chivas USA looks to earn back some respect for the MLS as they travel to Seattle for the second time this year to face the Sounders.

Of the seven matches already played, the MLS teams have been bested in four of them include two times against USL-Second division clubs. LA, Houston and DC were eleminated last week while Chicago was tossed 1-0 this past Sunday. If MLS wants to break even in this round, they need Chivas to pull one off in Seattle, however 6 of the 7 winners so far (and 24 of 31 over all rounds) have been the home team.

Although you will not be able to find this one on TV, if you have internet access (and I'm guessing you do), you can watch it for free thanks to USLlive. The winner of this match will face the Colorado Rapids in the fourth round.

Here are the third round results so far:
Game Number, Date, Teams, Venue, Time
25 July 11, DC United (MLS) 0-1 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2)
26 July 10, NE Revolution (MLS) 4-2 Rochester Rhinos (USL-1)
27 July 10, Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) 0-1 Richmond Kickers (USL-2)
28 July 15, Chicago Fire (MLS) 0-1 Carolina RailHawks (USL-1)
29 July 9, Atlanta Silverbacks (USL-1) 1-1 FC Dallas (MLS) FC Dallas wins on pks 4-3
30 July 10, Houston Dynamo (MLS) 0-1 Charleston Battery (USL-1)
31 July 10, California Victory (USL-1) 1-3 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
32 July 18, Chivas USA (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (USL-1), Qwest Field; Seattle, Wash. 7 p.m. PT

Another surprise in US Open Cup as DC is dumped in the fields of Pennsylvania

MLS saw their third team fall out of contention for the US Open Cup last night when DC United was shocked by USL-Second Division side Harrisburg City Islanders. United, like most MLS sides, played a second-tier team for this early round and they paid the price as they lost 1-0 on the road.

Here is the way the Washing Post reports Steve Fisher's goal:

But just before the break, (DC goalkeeper Jay) Nolly misread a corner kick, allowing Fisher to easily head Schofield's service into a vacant net.

"I came out and kind of collided with [Boswell] and his guy," Nolly said. "I didn't get full jump on it; I thought I could have come and got it. It was just over my fingertips."

Said Soehn, "If he's coming to get it, he's got to get it."

So in just their fourth year of existence, the Islanders now have a huge triumph as they are the first USL-2 team to beat DC United.

This game is yet another example of how much fun the Open Cup can be. Now, if only US Soccer could find a sponsor to increase the prize money at the end.

Here is the full third round schedule:
Game Number, Date, Teams, Venue, Time
25 July 11, DC United (MLS) 0-1 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2)
26 July 10, NE Revolution (MLS) 4-2 Rochester Rhinos (USL-1)
27 July 10, Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) 0-1 Richmond Kickers (USL-2)
28 July 15, Chicago Fire (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (USL-1), SAS Soccer Park; Cary, N.C. 5 p.m. ET
29 July 9, Atlanta Silverbacks (USL-1) 1-1 FC Dallas (MLS) FC Dallas wins on pks 4-3
30 July 10, Houston Dynamo (MLS) 0-1 Charleston Battery (USL-1)
31 July 10, California Victory (USL-1) 1-3 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
32 July 18, Chivas USA (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (USL-1), Qwest Field; Seattle, Wash. 7 p.m. PT

2007 US Open Cup Third Round results - LA & Houston are out

What a night for US Open Cup matches. All four had their moments of excitement and all could have ended up just about any way. Going in, all four MLS teams were favored, even though a number of them were playing mostly from reserves, but in the end only two will move forward.

The biggest shock of the night came out of Richmond where the USL second division Kickers stamped out the LA Galaxy's hopes of returning to a third consecutive US Open Cup final. A lone goal by David Bulow in the 31st is all the Kickers needed to send Landon Donovan and crew home with nothing.

But LA will not be licking their wounds alone as the MLS Champions also fell to a lower division side. Houston had many of their reserve players on the pitch meaning the game was pretty even. Still, if it wasn't for some fantastic goalkeeping by both sides, this one could have been a real net burner. But in the end, it came down to a penalty kick that Steven Armstrong nailed (edit) that Zach Wells stopped, however, Steven Armstrong picked up the rebound and nailed it in for the Charleston Battery in the 106th minute. The Battery will now see if they can do the Texas two-step as they will face FC Dallas in round four.

New England jumped out to a two-goal lead in Rochester, only to see the Rhinos come screaming back to tie it up. However, the celebration did not last long as the Revs scored the go ahead goal in the 90th and their fourth goal in the 93rd off a penalty kick.

Finally, the Colorado Rapids had very little troubles dispatching the California Victory as they won 3-1.

Of the five third round matches played so far, four have seen pretty even battles. The round continues tomorrow when DC United travels to Pennsylvania to take on the Harrisburg City Islanders. With home field advantage looking to be more important then division level, it might be a hard night for DC.

Here is the Third Round schedule/results:
Game Number, Date, Teams, Venue, Time
25 July 11, D.C. United (MLS) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2),Hempfield High School Stadium; Greensburg, Pa. 7:30 p.m. ET
26 July 10, N.E. Revolution (MLS) 4-2 Rochester Rhinos (USL-1)
27 July 10, Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) 0-1 Richmond Kickers (USL-2)
28 July 15, Chicago Fire (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (USL-1), SAS Soccer Park; Cary, N.C. 5 p.m. ET
29 July 9, Atlanta Silverbacks (USL-1) 1-1 FC Dallas (MLS) FC Dallas wins on pks 4-3
30 July 10, Houston Dynamo (MLS) 0-1 Charleston Battery (USL-1)
31 July 10, California Victory (USL-1) 1-3 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
32 July 18, Chivas USA (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (USL-1), Qwest Field; Seattle, Wash. 7 p.m. PT

2007 US Open Cup Third Round continues - FC Dallas lucks into next round

The third round of the US Open Cup kicked off last night and there was almost a huge upset. The Atlanta Silverbacks traveled to Dallas and played the MLS team to a 1-1 tie through 120-minutes thanks in large part to the goalkeeping work of Ryan McIntosh. Making this tie even more amazing, Atlanta played the last 40-minutes a man down.

The game came down to kicks and sadly for the Silverbacks, their sixth attempt went high.

These are the types of games that make the Open Cup so much fun. Anytime a lower division side causes havoc to an upper-division club, it is exciting. Too bad this year's cup has not had many of these outcomes as higher division teams are now 19-3. It is also a shame that only 2,500 at Pizza Hut Park got to enjoy this match.

Anyway, the third round continues on tonight with four games. Thankfully we'll be able to watch one of these matches online thanks to the USL (Houston-Charleston) and listen to another thanks to the New England Revolution. Anyway, here are tonight's matches:

Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) at Richmond Kickers (USL-2), University of Richmond Stadium; Richmond, Va. 7 p.m. ET
Houston Dynamo (MLS) at Charleston Battery (USL-1), Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C. 7:30 p.m. ET (live internet feed)
N.E. Revolution (MLS) at Rochester Rhinos (USL-1), PAETEC Park; Rochester, N.Y. 7:35 p.m. ET (live internet feed)
California Victory (USL-1) at Colorado Rapids (MLS), Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, Colo. 7 p.m. MT

Of all these games, the one that stands out like the most likely to see a USL side beat a MLS team is the California-Colorado match. The Rapids have looked horrible for a while now, but to be honest, the Victory has not been doing much itself. However, with Colorado often failing to score, one goal might be enough to take this one.

The Rhinos are always dangerous in the Open Cup and facing them at home is not a place where you want to be, so the Revs might have a difficult night.

Houston is on a fantastic roll, but after playing three games in a week and having another game on Thursday night in Chicago, they might not field many starters. That said, we saw what the Houston B-team can do during the Gold Cup, so it will still take a great night from the Battery to advance.

Finally there is LA. With a week off before their next match, the Galaxy might use this as a chance to continue the improvement they have shown over the last few weeks. Then again, they might just use it as a second team outing since the last thing they are looking for is even more matches added to their schedule.

Here is the full third round schedule:
Game Number, Date, Teams, Venue, Time
25 July 11, D.C. United (MLS) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2),Hempfield High School Stadium; Greensburg, Pa. 7:30 p.m. ET
26 July 10, N.E. Revolution (MLS) at Rochester Rhinos (USL-1), PAETEC Park; Rochester, N.Y. 7:35 p.m. ET
27 July 10, Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) at Richmond Kickers (USL-2), University of Richmond Stadium; Richmond, Va. 7 p.m. ET
28 July 15, Chicago Fire (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (USL-1), SAS Soccer Park; Cary, N.C. 5 p.m. ET
29 July 9, Atlanta Silverbacks (USL-1) 1-1 FC Dallas (MLS) FC Dallas wins on pks 4-3
30 July 10, Houston Dynamo (MLS) at Charleston Battery (USL-1), Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C. 7:30 p.m. ET
31 July 10, California Victory (USL-1) at Colorado Rapids (MLS), Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, Colo. 7 p.m. MT
32 July 18, Chivas USA (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (USL-1), Qwest Field; Seattle, Wash. 7 p.m. PT

2007 US Open Cup Third Round begins

The great US Open Cup returns to action tonight as the USL First Division Atlanta Silverbacks travel to Dallas to take on FCD. This is going to be a difficult one for Atlanta to win as road teams are 6-18 so far in the competition while higher division clubs are 18-3. Needless to say, FC Dallas has averages going for them.

Dallas should be rested for this match and Dario Sala will due well between the posts. Atlanta will need a huge night from Daniel Antoniuk if they want to pull off a surprise.

The match kicks off at 7:30pm CT at Pizza Hut Park.

2007 US Open Cup Second Round results

The second round of America's great cup has come to an end with very few surprises as the higher division team in each match came out the winner. The other major factor was home field as only two visitor won on the night. However, the Western Mass Pioneers almost broke both of these rules as they took the Rochester Rhinos to the edge over overtime before falling 2-1. Also, the Minnesota Thunder - California Victory game got a bit out of hand as four players were sent off with red cards.

So all PDL and USASA teams are out. The only USL Second Division teams left are the Harrisburg City Islanders and Richmond Kickers.

Here are the results:
Game Number, Teams, Venue, Time
17 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) 2-1 Ocean City Barons (PDL)
18 Western Mass Pioneers (USL-2) 1-2 Rochester Rhinos (USL-1)
19 Cleveland City Stars (USL-2) 1-2 Richmond Kickers (USL-2)
20 Bavarian SC (USASA) 0-4 Carolina Rail Hawks (USL-1)

21 Charlotte Eagles (USL-2) 0-1 Atlanta Silverbacks (USL-1)
22 El Paso Patriots (PDL) 0-1 Charleston Battery (USL-1)
23 California Victory (USL-1) 1-0 Minnesota Thunder (USL-1)
24 Portland Timbers (USL-1) 1-2 Seattle Sounders (USL-1)

The Third Round is the MLS round and here is the schedule:
Game Number, Date, Teams, Venue, Time
25 July 11, D.C. United (MLS) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2),Hempfield High School Stadium; Greensburg, Pa. 7:30 p.m. ET
26 July 10, N.E. Revolution (MLS) at Rochester Rhinos (USL-1), PAETEC Park; Rochester, N.Y. 7:35 p.m. ET
27 July 10, Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) at Richmond Kickers (USL-2), University of Richmond Stadium; Richmond, Va. 7 p.m. ET
28 July 15, Chicago Fire (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (USL-1), SAS Soccer Park; Cary, N.C. 5 p.m. ET
29 July 10, Atlanta Silverbacks (USL-1) at FC Dallas (MLS), Pizza Hut Park; Frisco, Texas 7:30 p.m. CT
30 July 10, Houston Dynamo (MLS) at Charleston Battery (USL-1), Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C. 7:30 p.m. ET
31 July 10 California Victory (USL-1) at Colorado Rapids (MLS), Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, Colo. 7 p.m. MT
32 July 10, Chivas USA (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (USL-1), Qwest Field; Seattle, Wash. 7 p.m. PT

2007 US Open Cup Second Round groupings

Now that the Charlotte Eagles have closed down Lynch's Irish Pub, the first round of the great US Open Cup is over and talk turns to round two.

There are a number of good matchups in this round as Seattle and Portland go after one anther once again and the PDL's El Paso Patriots see if they can do something amazing and topple USL First Division side the Charleston Battery. The winners of round two will face a MLS side in round three.

Here is the schedule:
All matches take place on Tuesday, 26 June.
Game Number, Teams, Venue, Time
17 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) at Ocean City Barons (PDL)
Carey Stadium; Ocean City, N.J. 7:30 p.m. ET
18 Western Mass Pioneers (USL-2) at Rochester Rhinos (USL-1)
Paetec Park; Rochester, N.Y. 7:35 p.m. ET
19 Cleveland City Stars (USL-2) at Richmond Kickers (USL-2)
Univ. of Richmond Stadium; Richmond, Va. 7 p.m. ET
20 Bavarian SC (USASA) at Carolina Rail Hawks (USL-1)
SAS Soccer Park; Cary, N.C. 7:30 p.m. ET

21 Charlotte Eagles (USL-2) at Atlanta Silverbacks (USL-1)
Remax Greater Atlanta Stadium; Atlanta, Ga. 7:55 p.m. ET
22 El Paso Patriots (PDL) @ Charleston Battery (USL-1)
Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C. 7:30 p.m. ET
23 California Victory (USL-1) at Minnesota Thunder (USL-1)
James Griffin Stadium; St. Paul, Minn. 7:05 p.m. CT
24 Portland Timbers (USL-1) at Seattle Sounders (USL-1)
Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash. 7 p.m. PT

2007 US Open Cup Results - First Round

The first round of the US Open Cup is all but done as 13 of the 14 games have been decided. The biggest surprise of all the matches happened in El Paso where the PDL's Patriots beat Miami FC of the USL First Division in penalty kicks. The only other PDL side to advance was the Ocean City Barons who topped USL Second Division side Crystal Palace Baltimore. For the USASA, their only success on the night came from Milwaukee Bavarians SC who edged out the Cincinnati Kings 1-0. It should be noted that all three of these upsets took place in the team’s home stadium.

There was almost a huge shock in Rochester as the Raging Rhinos eked out a 1-0 win against the PDL's Long Island Rough Riders.

In blow out news we look no further then Atlanta where the Silverbacks wrecked USASA side Azzurri of Dallas 10-0. It must have been paining for Azzurri to travel all that way and get slapped out so much.

The second round of play happens in two weeks on June 26 and there will be at least one match with a full on rivalry as the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers will meet in a showdown for the Northwest.

The Lynch's Irish Pub-Charlotte Eagles game was postpone due to a canceled flight and will be played tonight at 7:30pm at UNC-Charlotte's TransAmerica Field.
Update: The Pub gave it all against the Eagles but they fell 2-0 in the end. Time for last call.

Here are the results:
1 Aegean Hawks FC (USASA) 0-4 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2)
2 Crystal Palace Baltimore (USL-2) 0-1 Ocean City Barons (PDL)
3 Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) 0-1 Rochester Rhinos (USL-1)
4 Western Mass Pioneers (USL-2) 3-2 Danbury United (USASA)

5 Michigan Bucks (PDL) 2-4 Richmond Kickers (USL-2)
6 Cleveland City Stars (USL-2) 4-0 Kansas City Brass (PDL)
7 RWB Adria (USASA) 1-4 Carolina Rail Hawks (USL-1)
8 Cincinnati Kings (USL-2) 0-1 Milwaukee Bavarians (USASA)

9 Azzurri (USASA) 0-10 Atlanta Silverbacks (USL-1)
10 Lynch’s Irish Pub FC (USASA) 0-2 Charlotte Eagles (USL-2)
11 Central Florida Kraze (PDL) 0-3 Charleston Battery (USL-1)
12 Miami FC (USL-1) 2-2 El Paso Patriots (PDL) El Paso wins 4-3 on pks

13 El Paso Indios USA (USASA) 2-3 Minnesota Thunder (USL-1)
14 California Victory (USL-1) 2-1 BYU Cougars (PDL)
15 Banat Arsenal (USASA) 1-4 Seattle Sounders (USL-1)
16 Portland Timbers (USL-1) 2-0 Bakersfield Brigade (PDL)

2007 US Open Cup Round One

The oldest cup competition in America kicks off tonight with 32-teams playing in round one. These teams range from USL powerhouses like the Rochester Raging Rhinos and Charleston Battery to the unknowns like Aegean Hawks or everyone's favorite Lynch’s Irish Pub FC. Just about all of the sixteen games has some sort of David v Goliath feel to it meaning folks who love underdogs are going to love this one.

As an added bonus, the folks over at USLlive.com will stream three of these matches live for free. This is the first time "multiple national video broadcasts of First Round games" has happened. The three matches are Central Florida Kraze-Charleston Battery (7:30pm ET), RWB Adria-Carolina Railhawks (7:30pm ET) and Long Island Rough Riders-Rochester Rhinos (7:35pm ET).

The only bad news, just about all of these matches take place during some portion of the US-El Salvador Gold Cup game.

Here is the full lineup:
Game number, Teams, Venue, Time
1 Aegean Hawks FC (Arlington, Va.) (USASA) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa. 7:05 p.m. ET
2 Crystal Palace Baltimore (USL-2) at Ocean City Barons (PDL) Cary Stadium; Ocean City, N.J. 7:30 p.m. ET
3 Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) at Rochester Rhinos (USL-1) Paetec Park; Rochester, N.Y. 7:35 p.m. ET - Watch live on USLlive.com
4 Western Mass Pioneers (USL-2) at Danbury United (USASA) Portuguese Cultural Center; Danbury, Conn. 4 p.m. ET

5 Michigan Bucks (PDL) at Richmond Kickers (USL-2) UR Stadium; Richmond, Va. 7 p.m. ET
6 Cleveland City Stars (USL-2) at Kansas City Brass (PDL) William Jewell College; Liberty, Mo. 7:30 p.m. CT
7 RWB Adria (Chicago, Ill.) (USASA) at Carolina Rail Hawks (USL-1) SAS Soccer Park; Cary, N.C. 7:30 p.m. ET - Watch live on USLlive.com
8 Cincinnati Kings (USL-2) at Milwaukee Bavarians (USASA) Bavarian Soccer Park; Glendale, Wis. 7:30 p.m. CT

9 Azzurri (Dallas, Texas) (USASA) at Atlanta Silverbacks (USL-1) Remax Greater Atlanta Stadium; Atlanta, Ga. 7:55 p.m. ET
10 Lynch’s Irish Pub FC (Jacksonville, Fla.) (USASA) at Charlotte Eagles (USL-2) UNCC Transamerica Field; Charlotte, N.C. 7:30 p.m. ET
11 Central Florida Kraze (PDL) at Charleston Battery (USL-1) Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C. 7:30 p.m. ET - Watch live on USLlive.com
12 Miami FC (USL-1) at El Paso Patriots (PDL) Patriots Stadium; El Paso, Texas 7:30 p.m. MT

13 El Paso Indios USA (USASA) at Minnesota Thunder (USL-1) James Griffin Stadium; St. Paul, Minn. 7:05 p.m. CT
14 California Victory (USL-1) at BYU Cougars (PDL) BYU South Stadium; Provo, Utah 7:30 p.m. MT
15 Banat Arsenal (Phoenix, Ariz.) (USASA) at Seattle Sounders (USL-1) Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash. 8 p.m. PT
16 Portland Timbers (USL-1) at Bakersfield Brigade (PDL) Bakersfield Christian H.S.; Bakersfield, Calif. 7:30 p.m. PT

2007 US Open Cup First Round groupings

US Soccer has announced the lineup for the first round of the US Open Cup. This round involves teams from the USL First and Second Divisions, the Premier Development League and United States Adult Soccer Association ranks. For the first time since 2001 these games were decided by a blind draw.

All games will take place on Sunday, June 12th

2007 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP FIRST ROUND
Game No. Teams, Venue; Location Time

1 Aegean Hawks FC (Arlington, Va.) (USASA) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa. 7:05 p.m. ET
2 Crystal Palace Baltimore (USL-2) at Ocean City Barons (PDL) Cary Stadium; Ocean City, N.J. 7:30 p.m. ET
3 Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) at Rochester Rhinos (USL-1) Paetec Park; Rochester, N.Y. 7:35 p.m. ET
4 Western Mass Pioneers (USL-2) at Danbury United (USASA) Portuguese Cultural Center; Danbury, Conn. 4 p.m. ET

5 Michigan Bucks (PDL) at Richmond Kickers (USL-2) UR Stadium; Richmond, Va. 7 p.m. ET
6 Cleveland City Stars (USL-2) at Kansas City Brass (PDL) William Jewell College; Liberty, Mo. 7:30 p.m. CT
7 RWB Adria (Chicago, Ill.) (USASA) at Carolina Rail Hawks (USL-1) SAS Soccer Park; Cary, N.C. 7:30 p.m. ET
8 Cincinnati Kings (USL-2) at Milwaukee Bavarians (USASA) Bavarian Soccer Park; Glendale, Wis. 7:30 p.m. CT

9 Azzurri (Dallas, Texas) (USASA) at Atlanta Silverbacks (USL-1) Remax Greater Atlanta Stadium; Atlanta, Ga. 7:55 p.m. ET
10 Lynch’s Irish Pub FC (Jacksonville, Fla.) (USASA) at Charlotte Eagles (USL-2) UNCC Transamerica Field; Charlotte, N.C. 7:30 p.m. ET
11 Central Florida Kraze (PDL) at Charleston Battery (USL-1) Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C. 7:30 p.m. ET
12 Miami FC (USL-1) at El Paso Patriots (PDL) Patriots Stadium; El Paso, Texas 7:30 p.m. MT

13 El Paso Indios USA (USASA) at Minnesota Thunder (USL-1) James Griffin Stadium; St. Paul, Minn. 7:05 p.m. CT
14 California Victory (USL-1) at BYU Cougars (PDL) BYU South Stadium; Provo, Utah 7:30 p.m. MT
15 Banat Arsenal (Phoenix, Ariz.) (USASA) at Seattle Sounders (USL-1) Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash. 8 p.m. PT
16 Portland Timbers (USL-1) at Bakersfield Brigade (PDL) Bakersfield Christian H.S.; Bakersfield, Calif. 7:30 p.m. PT

The winners of these games will advance to the second round of the tournament. All second round games will be played on Tuesday June 26. Here is that line up:

17 Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
18 Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4
19 Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6
20 Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8

21 Winner Game 9 vs. Winner Game 10
22 Winner Game 11 vs. Winner Game 12
23 Winner Game 13 vs. Winner Game 14
24 Winner Game 15 vs. Winner Game 16

The second round winners will advance to the third round, which is when the eight MLS teams that qualified for the US Open will enter.

The winner of the Cup earns $100,000, the runner-up $50,000 and $10,000 goes to the team that advances deepest in the tournament from each of the USL divisions and amateur levels.

The final will take place on Sunday, October 2nd.