2008 US Open Cup - Third Round sees three MLS teams go down

Last night is the perfect example of why I enjoy the US Open Cup so much. Seeing all these underweight teams try to out punch MLS sides really is enjoyable. Sure, the MLS teams see this as little more then a reserves match, but it is still good fun.

As bad as it is that MLS teams dropped three of the eight games last night, it is actually much better then last season when five top teams fell. The biggest surprise of the night took place in Maryland where Crystal Palace Baltimore (USL-2) bounced the Red Bulls out of the Open, even though they played down a man for an hour.

Ranking just below on the shock level was the Dynamo losing on kicks to the Charleston Battery (USL-1), even though Houston played up a man for 50 minutes and up 2 men for 15. Really, the defending MLS Champions were up two men for 15-minutes and could not find a way to get a goal. Not only that but the Battery's Osvaldo Alonso was still giving the Dynamo fits in the second period of overtime (Alonso must be on Kinnear's radar after last night). I think Dynamo forward Franco Caraccio summed up the whole night for his club when he collapsed to the pitch in shame after having his penalty kick stopped, thus giving the Battery the win.

The only other lose came in Seattle where the Sounders showed Chivas USA the exit. The goats have not won a USOC match since beating the Charlotte Eagles (USL-2) on 13 July 2005. This streak includes a defeat by Roma FC of the USASA.

There was almost something big in Dallas, however FCD was able to get a late stoppage time goal to take Miami 2-1.

Kansas City also needed a little rally as they were down 2-0 in the 67' minute before coming back to tie and send it to extra time where they piled on two more goals for the win.

DC United needed two goals via free kicks from Marc Burch to take down the Rhinos of Rochester. Both New England (last year's USOC champ) and the Fire (perennial USOC powerhouse) easily saw off their foes for the evening.

Here is the full list of results:
FC Dallas (MLS) 2-1 Miami FC (USL-1)
Charleston (USL-1) 1(4-3)1 Houston (MLS)
DC United (MLS) 2-0 Rochester (USL-1)
Carolina (USL-1) 2-4 Kansas City (MLS)

CP Baltimore (USL-2) 2-0 New York (MLS)
New England (MLS) 3-0 Richmond (USL-2)
Chicago (MLS) 4-1 Cleveland (USL-2)
Seattle (USL-1) 2-0 Chivas USA (MLS)

These results move the numbers a bit when it comes to higher versus lower ranked teams. Before last night, it stood at 19-2 (90.5%) for those higher ranked, but now is at 24-5 (82.75%).

It does look like home field advantage was reinstated. During the second round, home sides only went 3-5, but yesterday saw only one visitor walk away with a win.

Here is the schedule for next Tuesday night's round of eight:
Chicago Fire at DC United (Boyds, Md)
Crystal Palace (USL2) at New England (New Britain, Conn)
Charleston (USL1) at FC Dallas
Kansas City at Seattle Sounders (USL1)

Can Crystal Palace bring down two giants? Will the Battery take out both teams from the Lone Star state? Will Seattle give another MLS team an introduction to soccer in the Northwest? Can DC finally beat Chicago in a playoff situation? It will be fun to find out.

2008 US Open Cup - Second Round results

The second round of the US Open Cup is in the books and yet again the biggest factor is which team is in the higher division. During the first round, only one lower division team pulled off an upset, resulting in a 15-1 run for higher level clubs. Last night saw the higher division squad take 4 and lose 1, while 3 games involved clubs of the same level. That means that 86% of all games are won by the team higher up on the US Soccer pyrimid.

The Minnesota Thunder (USL-1) join the Portland Timbers (USL-1) as the only teams to lose to a lower division team as they lost 0-2 to the Cleveland City Stars (USL-2).

Here are the full results:
Harrisburg (USL-2) 2(1-3)2 CP Baltimore (USL-2)
Western Mass (USL-2) 1-2 Richmond (USL-2)
Rochester (USL-1) 3-0 Pittsburgh (USL-2)
Charleston (USL-1) 2-1 Charlotte (USL-2)

Carolina (USL-1) 1-0 Real Maryland (USL-2)
Minnesota (USL-1) 0-2 Cleveland (USL-2)
Miami (USL-1) 1-0 Atlanta (USL-1)
Seattle (USL-1) 6-0 Hollywood United (USASA)

The winners move on to round three where they will face a MLS team. If the 86% number holds, it means one MLS side will lose in round three. Who could it be?

Here is the schedule:
Houston Dynamo (MLS) at Charleston Battery (USL-1)
Blackbaud Stadium, Charleston, S.C., 7:30 PM

New York Red Bulls (MLS) at Crystal Palace Baltimore (USL-2)
UMBC, Catonsville, Md., 7:30 PM

Kansas City Wizards (MLS) at Carolina Railhawks (USL-1)
WakeMed Soccer Park - Cary, N.C., 7:30 PM

Rochester Rhinos (USL-1) at DC United (MLS)
Maryland SoccerPlex, Boyds, Md., 7:30 PM
Broadcast: English/Spanish Radio (DCU)

Richmond Kickers (USL-2) at New England Revolution (MLS)
Veterans Stadium - New Britain, Conn., Time TBD

Cleveland City Stars (USL-2) at Chicago Fire (MLS)
Toyota Park, Bridgeview, Ill., 8:30 PM

Miami FC (USL-1) at FC Dallas (MLS)
Pizza Hut Park, Frisco, Texas, 8:30 PM

Chivas USA (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (USL-1)
Starfire Sports Complex, Tukwila, Wash. - 10:00 PM

By the way, home pitch advantage is limited as home sides went 10-6 in round 1 and 3-5 in round two. In matches were the teams were in the same division, home teams only went 1 for 3.

2008 US Open Cup - The best night in US club soccer is here

The longest running club cup competition in American soccer roars back to life again tonight as the first round of the US Open Cup kicks off. Thirty-two teams from across the county have earned the right to play in this opening night. These teams range from the rag-tag best of the adult leagues to the, "hay we are only one level below MLS" USL First Division. In addition to these teams, two MLS sides will also face off for the final MLS spot in the tournament.

These first round matches are always fun to watch as they are usually full of surprise winners, especially if the higher division team is the visitor. If you live near any of these games, they are well worth going to see.

Here is a rundown of tonight's games (updated scores):

Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) vs. Yakima Reds (USL-PDL)
Skyline Sports Complex, Harrisburg, Pa. - 7pm ET
With the Reds traveling to Pennsylvania from Washington state, this one will probably go to the Islanders.

Charlotte Eagles (USL-2) vs. Clearwater Galactics (USASA)
Charlotte Chrisitian School, Charlotte, N.C. - 7pm ET
Much like the Reds, a long trip from Florida will probably hurt the Galactics chances, however this has a slight smell of upset on it.

Minnesota Thunder (USL-1) vs. St. Louis Lions (USL-PDL)
National Sports Center, Blaine, Minn. - 7pm ET
St. Louis's hopes hinge on Tommy Heinemann and Jarius Holmes. If these two can link up early, the Thunder might not rumble.

Western Mass Pioneers (USL-2) vs. Boston Olympiakos (USASA)
Lusitano Stadium, Ludlow, Mass. - 7:30p ET
This should be one of the better matches of the night. Boston Olympiakos is a very solid amateur club playing against in-state Western Mass. The Pioneers have been good in league play and will turn to Neil Krause to get them past Olympiakos, but the amateurs are going to bring a lot.

Michigan Bucks (USL-PDL) vs. Cleveland City Stars (USL-2)
Ultimate Soccer Arena, Pontiac, Mich. - 7:30p ET
Both these teams are playing some of the best soccer in their respective leagues. The Stars made it into the second round last year, but the Bucks have a long history in the cup. Since the Stars are on the road, the Bucks have the upper hand.

Rochester Rhinos (USL-1) vs. RWB Adria (USASA)
PAETEC Park, Rochester, NY - 7:30p ET (free video)
As odd as it sounds, this might just be the make or break game to the Rhinos season as they are off to a horrible start in league play. If Adria can exploit their nerves, they might sneak out with a victory.

Charleston Battery (USL-1) vs. ASC New Stars (USASA)
Blackbaud Stadium, Charleston, SC - 7:30p ET (free video)
The New Stars will travel from Houston for this one and they will have their hands full. The Battery have a good season going and love to play in the Open Cup.

Carolina Railhawks (USL-1) vs. Brooklyn Knights (USL-PDL)
WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, N.C. - 7:30p ET
The Railhawks have some weakness and since you never count out an amateur team from New York, there could be something here. The Knights don't get tons of goals, but they also don't give up many.

Real Maryland Monarchs (USL-2) vs. NY Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA)
Maryland SoccerPlex, Germantown, Md. - 8p ET
The Monarchs have not been making it happen in league play and, as noted above, you don't ever count out amateur teams from New York, this could be close.

Miami FC Blues (USL-1) vs. Bradenton Academics (USL-PDL)
Tropical Park Stadium, Miami, Fla. - 8p ET
The Blues have never really jelled. If the Academics can shutdown Alex Afonso, they have a shot.

Richmond Kickers (USL-2) vs. Fredericksburg Gunners (USL-PDL)
SportsBackers Stadium, Richmond, Va. - 8p ET
The Kickers will need to find the net to win this one and they have not proven so great at doing so.

Austin Aztex (USL-PDL) vs. Atlanta Silverbacks (USL-1)
Dragon Stadium, Round Rock, Texas - 8:30p ET
This will probably be the best game of the night as the soon to be USL-1 Austin Aztex see if they can expand their winning ways against the 'no so great on the road' Silverbacks.

AAC Eagles (USASA) vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-2)
Redmond Park, Bensenville, Ill. - 9p ET
Both of these sides normally lose their opening USOC match, so it is good to know one will advance. With the Riverhounds playing for poor, look for an Eagles victory.

Portland Timbers (USL-1) vs. Hollywood United (USASA)
PGE Park, Portland, Ore. - 10p ET (free video)
Finally a west coast game. Will Alexi Lalas and Allan Hopkins take the pitch for United? If so, they have a chance. If not, the Timbers will probably see them out.

LA Legends (USL-PDL) vs. Crystal Palace Baltimore (USL-2)
Cougar Athletic Stadium, Glendora, Cal. - 10:30p ET
There is not much in terms of offense going for LA, but they have some solid keepers and with Baltimore making the long trip, the Legends have the upper hand.

Arizona Sahuaros (USASA) vs. Seattle Sounders (USL-1)
Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Ariz. - 10:30p ET
The Sounders will be looking for a repeat of last year when they topped USASA side Banat Arsenal to start their fantastic run to the semifinals. The Sahuaros are a great example of what lowest level clubs can become, but they will need to play well above their level to take this one.

Chicago Fire (MLS) vs. Columbus Crew (MLS)
Shea Stadium, Peoria, Ill. - 8p ET
This is a MLS play in match. My guess is the Crew will take it a little more serious then the Fire. With Columbus thrashing in MLS play, they need something to restart the team and a victory against Chicago could do it. That said, the Fire are one of the best USOC teams ever, so even if they play second string, they are the favorites.

USL 2008 Fox Soccer schedule

Fox Soccer Channel will air 28 USL games in 2008 starting April 25. Of these games 25 will be USL First Division (22 regular season/3 post). The three other games will be the title matches for the W-League, PDL and USL Second Division (all of which will be in August).

Here is the full list of TV Broadcasts (all times ET):
Friday April 25 Montreal @ Atlanta 8:00 pm
Friday May 2 Seattle @ Atlanta 8:00 pm
Friday May 9 Miami @ Charleston 8:00 pm
Friday May 16 Minnesota @ Atlanta 8:00 pm
Friday May 23 Seattle @ Vancouver 11:00 pm
Friday May 30 Portland @ Montreal 8:00 pm

Friday June 6 Puerto Rico @ Atlanta 8:00 pm
Friday June 13 Vancouver @ Rochester 8:00 pm
Friday June 20 Minnesota @ Charleston 8:00 pm
Friday June 27 Portland @ Carolina 8:00 pm

Friday July 4 Puerto Rico @ Miami 8:00 pm
Friday July 11 Seattle @ Rochester 8:00 pm
Friday July 18 Miami @ Montreal 8:00 pm
Friday July 25 Montreal @ Rochester 8:00 pm

Friday August 1 Vancouver @ Carolina 8:00 pm
Sunday August 3 W-League Championship TBD
Thursday August 7 Seattle @ Portland 11:00 pm
Saturday August 9 PDL Championship TBD
Friday August 15 Miami @ Carolina 8:00 pm
Friday August 22 Portland @ Vancouver 11:00 pm
Saturday August 23 USL Second Division Championship TBD
Friday August 29 Puerto Rico @ Charleston 8:00 pm

Friday September 5 Minnesota @ Montreal 8:00 pm
Friday September 12 Puerto Rico @ Rochester 8:00 pm
Friday September 19 Carolina @ Charleston 8:00 pm
Sunday September 28 USL-1 Quarterfinals - Second leg TBD

Sunday October 5 USL-1 Semifinals - Second leg TBD
Saturday October 11 USL First Division Championship TBD

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 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 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 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.

USL sign three year deal with Fox Soccer Channel

United Soccer Leagues has announced the signing of a three-year deal with Fox Soccer Channel to televise a projected 27-game schedule annually. These games will include a Friday night USL First Division game of the week as well as W-League, Premier Development League and USL Second Division Championships.

These games will air also air on Fox Sports en Español, Fox Sports World Canada and Fox Sports Middle East/Africa.

In addition, all USL First Division matches not on FSC will be available via the new internet broadcast channel USLlive.com. The cost for the service is either $9.99 per month or $49.99 for a year.

Congrats to the USL on this deal and good work on USLlive.

Here is the list of games for the 2007 season (all times ET):

April 20 USL-1 Charleston v Minnesota 8:00
April 27 USL-1 Atlanta v Minnesota 8:00

May 4 USL-1 Rochester v Vancouver 8:00
May 11 USL-1 Portland v Seattle 11:00
May 18 USL-1 Miami v Minnesota 8:00
May 25 USL-1 Montreal v Miami 8:00

June 1 USL-1 Montreal v Vancouver 8:00
June 8 USL-1 Montreal v Portland 8:00
June 15 USL-1 Carolina v Seattle 8:00
June 22 USL-1 Charleston v Atlanta 8:00
June 29 USL-1 Rochester v Atlanta 8:00

July 6 USL-1 Rochester v Carolina 8:00
July 13 USL-1 Portland v California 11:00
July 20 USL-1 Puerto Rico v California 8:00
July 27 USL-1 Vancouver v Seattle 11:00

August 3 USL-1 Carolina v California 8:00
August 5 W-League W-League Championship TBD
August 10 USL-1 Atlanta v Puerto Rico 8:00
August 11 PDL Premier Development League Championship TBD
August 17 USL-1 Puerto Rico v Miami 8:00
August 24 USL-1 Rochester v Montreal 8:00
August 25 USL-2 USL Second Division Championship TBD
August 31 USL-1 Montreal v Rochester 8:00

September 7 USL-1 Charleston v Puerto Rico 8:00
September 16 USL-1 USL First Division Quarterfinal – Leg 2 TBD
September 23 USL-1 USL First Division Semifinal – Leg 2 TBD
September 29 USL-1 USL First Division Championship TBD

2007 US Open Cup is set

US Soccer has announced the schedule for the 93rd annual US Open Cup. The big change for this season, fewer teams. The reason for the change, the busy summer schedule for the US national team and MLS.

For the first time since 2002, not all MLS teams will be in the tournament. Instead, they will automatically qualify the top six teams from the 2006 season (Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, New England Revolution). The other six US teams will play qualifying matches. The Columbus Crew, Kansas City Wizards, Real Salt Lake and Los Angeles Galaxy will play in the first qualifying round, with the winners facing the New York Red Bulls and Colorado Rapids for a chance to qualify for the tournament.

All 10 US based USL-First Division teams will qualify. These teams are the Atlanta Silverbacks, California Victory, Carolina RailHawks, Charleston Battery, Miami FC, Minnesota Thunder, Portland Timbers, Rochester Raging Rhinos, Seattle Sounders, Virginia Beach Mariners.

Six USL-Second Division teams will also qualify, however only the champion Richmond Kickers will earn an automatic spot. The other teams (Cincinnati Kings, Charlotte Eagles, Cleveland City Stars, Crystal Palace Baltimore, Harrisburg City Islanders, New Hampshire Phantoms, Western Mass Pioneers, Wilmington Hammerheads) will play qualification matches.

Of the 60 Premier Development League teams eligible, 8 will earn qualification. There will also be 8 teams from the U.S. Adult Soccer Association Regional Qualifiers.

Here are the important dates:
May 28 - Qualifying Deadline
May 29 - First Round Pairings Announced
June 12 - First Round - All 32 lower division teams enter tournament
June 26 - Second Round - Round 1 winners face off
July 10 - Third Round - Round 2 winners face eight MLS teams
Aug. 7 - Quarterfinals - Round 3 winners
Sept. 4 - Semifinals - Quarterfinal winners
Oct. 2 - Final - Semifinal winners

As sorry as I am to see fewer MLS teams in the Open Cup, I am happy to know that they are basing qualification standards on the 2006 results. Basing rewards on the ability of the team to play well might seem like a simple idea, but it has not always been the case for soccer in the US.

I just hope they will continue these smart ideas by having the third round be an open draw. There will be 16 teams in the third round with eight of them being from the MLS. It would be really weak if they seeded teams as to prevent two MLS sides from playing in that round. Have an open draw where any of the remaining 16 can play and they will really be on to something.

And what about some prize money? Well, the team that advances the furthest from each level except Division I earns a $10,000 cash prize. The runner-up takes home $50,000, while the champion collects $100,000.

USL set their schedule

United Soccer Leagues have announced their schedules for the 2007 season. If you live in one of the many cities that have a USL team, why not take in a game or two.

The USL First Division starts on April 13 with Puerto Rico host the Virginia Beach Mariners. New club Carolina RailHawks start their campaign on April 21 with other rookie the California Victory opening on the road on April 28. The final day of the regular season is Sunday, September 9. In all, the first division will play 182 games.

The USL Second Division starts play with four matches on April 20 and 21 with new clubs the Crystal Palace Baltimore, Bermuda Hogges, Charlotte Eagles and New Hampshire Phantoms all having their first games on these dates. Their regular season will end with the season's 100th game on Saturday, August 11.

And the biggest division in all of USL, the Premier Development League, will open up their 504-game regular season on April 28th when the Fresno Fuego play host to the Bakersfield Brigade and the Ventura County Fusion host the Lancaster Rattlers. The next weekend sees 12 matches played. This huge season comes to a conclusion on July 22nd when eight matches will be played.

The opening night of the W-League is Friday, May 11 when Charlotte Lady Eagles play host to the Atlanta Silverbacks. The action continues with three matches the following night with the Toronto Lady Lynx hosting the Sudbury Canadians while the Long Island Rough Riders make their debut at home against the New York Magic and fellow expansion side Jersey Sky Blue host the Western Mass Lady Pioneers. Opening weekend ends on Sunday when the Richmond Kickers Destiny take to the road against the Hampton Roads Piranhas.

The 218-match season comes to an end on July 22nd with seven games.

If you live in the US, chances are at least one of these USL teams is located within 50-miles. Take a look at the website and find your local and then give them your support. If you want soccer to become a major sport in America, you need to build from the ground up.