Its Finally Here! Open Cup Kickoff!!

(photo credit: TheCup.US facebook)

One hundred years of US Soccer have led to this...the Centennial edition of the the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.  Without a doubt, the nation's longest standing athletic tournament, the Open Cup is one of the purest, most exciting competitions you'll find anywhere in the wide world of sports.  Prone to historic upsets and Cinderella stories, I've always found myself cheering for the little guys, even if they're up against a team I would normally root for.

The Charleston Battery are no strangers to success in the Cup, and have made quite a name for themselves as giant-killers, in their own right.  In 1999, the Battery topped DC United 4-3 in an extra-time thriller.  Two years later, the Pride of the Lowcountry drubbed the New York MetroStars 4-1 at Blackbaud Stadium.  Charleston are one of the only lower division sides to ever make an appearance in the final stage of the tournament, falling 2-1 in heartbreaking fashion to DC United in 2008.  Perhaps my favorite Battery Open Cup match was the 3-1 rout of Chivas USA in Charleston...Not only did Charleston net three fantastic goals, the goats were so upset at their own manhandling that by the end of game they started a fight and several of their players were ejected with only seconds to play.

The powers that be have made it clear that another successful Open Cup run is a priority for the Charleston Battery this year, and with a huge bundle of cash and Champion's League spot up for grabs, why not??  Unfortunately, as its slated up, May is one of Charleston's busiest months in terms of fixture congestion, but it will interesting to see how the pieces come together when the Battery enter the fray in the second round.  For an in-depth analysis of how Charleston enters the draw, check out CHSSoccer.net.

But first things first.  Technically, the dance has already begun.  Two play-in matches took place Tuesday night to determine the final field in the first round.  In typical Open Cup style, even these preliminary matches were high scoring nail-biters.  FC Hasental (NPSL, and yes their crest bears a rabbit) downed the Fresno Fuego Future with four straight goals as the match finished 5-3.  Interestingly enough, the other match finished 5-3 on PK's, as the Georgia Revolution (also NPSL) squeaked by the Colorado Rovers after extra time.  If you haven't already seen it, here's a look at the first round of play:

FIRST ROUND SCHEDULE

May 14	Mass Premier Soccer (USASA) at GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL)	8 p.m. ET	Memorial Field, Deering High School; Portland, Maine
May 14	Icon FC (USASA) at Brooklyn Italians (NPSL)	8 p.m. ET	Aviator Sports Complex; Brooklyn, N.Y.
May 14	New York Red Bulls U23s (NPSL) at Ocean City Nor'easters (PDL)	7:30 p.m. ET	Carey Stadium; Ocean City, N.J.
May 14	FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic (NPSL) at Reading United AC (PDL)	7 p.m. ET	Don Thomas Stadium; Reading, Pa.
May 14	Ocala Stampede (PDL) at Red Force (USASA)	7:30 p.m. ET	Florida International Soccer Stadium; Miami, Fla.
May 14	VSI Tampa Bay FC (USL PRO) at Orlando City U-23s (PDL)	7 p.m. ET	Seminole Soccer Complex; Sanford, Fla.
May 14	Chattanooga FC (NPSL) at Carolina Dynamo (PDL)	7 p.m. ET	Macpherson Stadium; Greensboro, N.C.
May 14	Dearborn Stars (USASA) at Michigan Bucks (PDL)	7:30 p.m. ET	Ultimate Soccer Arenas; Pontiac, Mich.
May 14	RWB Adria (USASA) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO)	7 p.m. ET	Highmark Stadium; Pittsburgh, Pa.
May 14	River City Rovers (PDL) at Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO)	7 p.m. ET	Beavercreek High School; Beavercreek, Ohio
May 15	Madison 56ers (NPSL) at Des Moines Menace (PDL)	7:30 p.m. CT	Valley Stadium; West Des Moines, Iowa
May 14	NTX Rayados (USASA) at Austin Aztex (PDL)	7:30 p.m. CT	House Park; Austin, Texas
May 14	Phoenix FC (USL Pro) at FC Tucson (PDL)	7:30 p.m. Arizona Time	Kino Sports Complex Grandstand; Tucson, Ariz.
May 14	Sacramento Gold (NPSL) vs. Portland Timbers U23s (PDL)	7:30 p.m. PT	JELD-WEN Field; Portland, Ore.
May 14	Doxa Italia (USASA) at Sounders FC U23s (PDL)	7 p.m. PT	Sunset Chevrolet Stadium; Sumner, Wash.
May 14	PSA Elite (USASA) at Laredo Heat SC (PDL)	8:15 p.m. CT	Texas A&M International Soccer Complex; Laredo, Texas
May 14	Real Colorado Foxes (PDL) at Georgia Revolution (NPSL)	7 p.m. ET	RYSA Soccerplex; Conyers, Ga.
May 14	FC Hasental (NPSL) at Ventura County Fusion (PDL)	7 p.m. PT	Ventura College; Ventura, Calif.

There are a handfull of oddballs from smaller conferences and associations and its always nice to have those wildcard darkhorse teams to spice things up.  You'll also notice there are several representatives from the ever-expanding grassroots league, the National Premier Soccer League.  Of course there are several PDL clubs in the mix and even a few USL Pro squads in the first round.  Here are the teams to keep your eye on:

Ocean City Nor'easters: Ever the underdog, these boys understand what the tourney is all about.  In a previous USOC tangle with DC United, their fans managed to intimidate the screaming eagles and only just fell short of a glorious upset.  

Reading United AC:  The Battery hosted this side last year and the PA squad can be tough competition.  Reading's alumni have really begun to go places...we're talking MLS and beyond.

Chattanooga FC:  These boys are known for quality football and their supporters, the Chattahooligans are largely responsible for inciting a football culture revolution in Middle Tennessee.  Nos vemos, El Conductor!!

Michigan Bucks:  Drawing on a wealth of college talent, the Bucks have won the PDL title and had an excellent run in the Cup last year.  Don't be surprised if they knock off a few big names this go around.  

I love this competition and what it means for the Beautiful Game in America.  I'm practically beside myself with anticipation!  Let it begin!  Let it begin!!

Who will be the next to lift the Cup??  I can't wait to find out!

MLS Preseason Update

The Desert Friendlies

The Desert Friendlies conclude today as the PDL's FC Tucson square off with the Portland Timbers.  The DF's have been lively so far as several MLS contenders continue to fine-tune their squads.  Portland seem to be a step ahead of the competition, and it looks as though former EPL defensive back Mikael Silvestre has earned a spot in the Timbers Army.  In one of the early fixtures, FC Tucson gave Open Cup Champions Sporting KC a good run for their money, while giving the home fans something to cheer about as well.  With some outstanding in-goal heroics, Tucson are off to a bright start in 2013.  Enjoy the highlights from that encounter:

Cooper trains with FCD in Cancun

Cooper Returns to FC Dallas
In a surprising move this week, the New York Red Bulls traded striker Kenny Cooper to FC Dallas for allocation money and a draft selection.  The former Hoops man had an outstanding season with New York scoring 18 goals and recording several assists. 
 A Dallas native, Cooper began his professional career with FCD.  Having played in Europe with 1860 Munich and Plymouth Argyle, the forward returned to the States joining the Portland Timbers in their inaugural MLS season.  After signing with the Red Bulls, Cooper enjoyed his most productive run since leaving Texas.  No doubt, the locals will be happy about his homecoming, and with the combination of recently acquired Eric Hassli, the two could quickly form the most lethal strike force in the league.

(photo credit: FC Tucson facebook, FCD facebook)

Carolina Challenge Cup & An Offseason Update

Its time again to break the offseason silence and with the dawn of the New Year unveil the fresh hopes and aspirations of 2013.  The past year was certainly a prosperous one for the Charleston Battery.  Despite the cancelation of an exhibition with Nottingham Forrest, the Black & Gold provided an entertaining season of football with riveting league play, hosting the New York Red Bulls in the Open Cup, and perhaps the club's most memorable playoff run to date.  Advancing to the Championship match by besting the Rochester Rhinos in penalties, Charleston would go on to win their forth league title, defeating local rivals the Wilmington Hammerheads at Blackbaud Stadium to lift the USL PRO trophy.

Looking forward, this year's Carolina Challenge Cup will showcase more Major League Soccer talent than ever before! The Chicago Fire, Houston Dynamo, and Vancouver Whitecaps all participated in the MLS Playoffs and the Dynamo finished runner-up to the LA Galaxy.  Estonian international Joel Lindpere was recently acquired by Chicago from the Red Bulls and should be present at the CCC.  Also worth noting, the American legend Jay Demerit, captain of the Whitecaps and USMNT regular, will make his Blackbaud debut when the 'Caps do battle with the Battery in the first round of the tournament.

Concerning league news, the USL PRO has added two new teams for 2013 season and announced a Sacramento expansion side slated for the following year.  VSI Tampa Bay FC and Phoenix FC will liven up the league and provide some fresh challenges for the Pride of the Lowcountry this year.  Sadly, Kyle Hoffer, a defensive lynchpin in Charleston's 2012 Championship squad was the first signing for VSI and Phoenix FC have poached defender Devin Grousis from the Charlotte Eagles.

The Battery Coaching staff completed their yearly scouting visit to Jamaica in mid-December and could likely pepper Charleston's provisional squad with more Caribbean flavor.  The final set of open trials will be held this weekend as players from across the state and across the country will vie for a contract or provisional roster spot with the Battery.  As in years past, this has proved to be a great opportunity to enlist local talent from the Palmetto State as well as prospects from further afield.

Speaking of local talent, there's even more good news for fans of the Beautiful Game in the Midlands.   South Carolina's PDL side, the SC United Bantams (formerly Palmetto FC), have teamed up with the SC United youth soccer program for the 2013 season.  This means the Bantams will split playing home fixtures between Lander University and USC.  The collaboration will now provide a natural avenue for athletes to progress from youth soccer to the college level, and then on to amateur development and professional football.  And who knows?  With a rich crop of collegiate footballers, we may see a few Bantams move up to join the Battery before long!

So here's to the Battery's USL PRO title defense and an incredible year of football in 2013!!

Open Cup Chaos

Once again, this competition has been turned on its head!  Tuesday was certainly a great night for the underdogs as third round Open Cup action saw several of the nation's premier soccer clubs suffer shock defeats at the hands of their lower division opponents.  In total, eight of the fourteen MLS sides were knocked out of the competition.  And while it may be old news by now, here's a recap of all the Open Cup action from the past week:

Richmond Kickers 1-2 DC United
United squeaked by their in-state rivals with an overtime thriller in Richmond City.  Salihi grabbed the early goal at twenty-four minutes but Nyazamba brought the Kickers level from the penalty spot in first half stoppage time.  United's Saragosa netted the game winning goal deep into extra time to give DC the win.

Harrisburg City Islanders 3-3 New England Revolution (Harrisburg advance 4-3 on PK's)
Without question the wildest game of round three, Harrisburg showed fans of the game what this competition is all about.  All six in extra time; three for the Revs in the first fifteen, followed by an Islanders rapid-fire comeback.  Harrisburg downed New England when it came to penalties, and while its a terrible way to lose...its pretty dang exciting.

San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 Ft. Lauderdale Strikers
A forty-five yard bomb put the Strikers ahead when Mark Anderson caught the Quakes keeper napping just before the break.  But the upset was overturned when San Jose rookie Sam Garza found two goals in seven minutes midway through the second half to help the Quakes move on to the next round.


Charleston Battery 0-3 New York Red Bulls
Despite spirited play from the hosts, the Red Bulls proved to much for Charleston on the evening and progress in the cup. Read the full match report here: The Empire Strikes Back

Sporting Kansas City 3-2 Orlando City
Soony Saad was Sporting's two goal hero in their scrappy win over Orlando City.  As Orlando is prone to do, City made a poor show of things with a revolting foul and sending off twenty minutes from time.
Although the victory was a narrow one, margin matters little in the Cup.


Philadelphia Union 3-0 Rochester Rhinos
Scoring twice, Freddy Adu led Philly in their convincing victory over the Rhinos.  W's have come at a premium this year for the Union and any win is certainly good news.  Outlasting the lightning delay and subsequent monsoon, Philadelphia progress to the next round.

Michigan Bucks 3-2 Chicago Fire
More heartbreak awaited the Fire this year in the Open Cup.  Fielding largely reserves, Chicago met their match in the Michigan Bucks.  The PDL unit took the early lead and then impressively fought back to level a 2-1 game.  Scoring three minutes into overtime, the Bucks made Chicago pay the price for failing to give this competition enough respect.

Columbus Crew 1-2 Dayton Dutch Lions
The Dutch Lions left Crew Stadium with a shock upset after two goals in as many minutes at the end of the match.  An uninspiring game was punctuated only by a Crew PK to take the lead in the sixty-fourth minute.  However, Daniel Holowaty had other ideas when entered the match for Dayton with twelve minutes to play.  Assisting a pair of Dayton goals after just taking the pitch, Holowaty led the Lions to the next level.

Tampa Bay Rowdies 1-3 Colorado Rapids
While the scoreline certainly flatters Colorado, the Rapids handled a lively bunch of Rowdies in Tampa Bay.  Finding the net from a penalty in the fifteenth, the visitors took control early and didn't let up.  Wells Thompson led the charge, spurring both first half Rapid's goals.  The Rowdies showed some grit striking the frame of the goal several times, but Colorado's second half strike put the game to bed.  Despite scoring a consolation goal in stoppage time, it was 'lights out' for Tampa Bay.

San Antonio Scorpions 1-0 Houston Dynamo
In another gritty and surprising affair, San Antonio dumbfounded the Dynamo.  Scoring off the crossbar from a penalty, the Scorpions took the lead early in the second and then poured on the pressure.  Houston had virtually no response and were deservingly eliminated from the competition.

FC Dallas 0-2 Charlotte Eagles
The Eagles pulled off an impressive upset in the Lone Star State in a costly match for the Hoops.  FCD lost several key players to injury, while Charlotte thrived, scoring at the end of both halves.

Ventura County Fusion 0-1 Chivas USA
The Chivas, a team who know what it means to be lambasted and laughed out of the tournament, fielded a strong team against the Fusion.  They were rewarded for their investment.  The Goats took an early goal and although County pressed for the remainder of the match, they were unable to find a breakthrough.

Carolina Railhawks 2-1 LA Galaxy
A vibrant Railhawks side escorted the reigning MLS champs to a new low in Open Cup defeat.  Noonan put the Galaxy ahead in the first, but Carolina netted two in the last fifteen minutes as the team most likely to earn the next MLS expansion spot redefined shame for the visiting LA squad.

Real Salt Lake 1-3 Minnesota Stars
The intrepid Stars milked RSL for all they were worth in a landslide victory that was never even close.  Claiming their Major League scalp, Minnesota advance while Salt Lake are left wondering "What just happened?"

Seattle Sounders 5-1 Atlanta Silverbacks
Seattle decimated the Apes in a rout led by Osvaldo Alonso and Alex Caskey.  There was little to separate the two in the first half, but the break was bookended by two Sounder's goals.  Alonso provided the spark and Caskey lent his speed as the former Charleston midfielder scored his first goal in a Sounders uniform.


Portland Timbers 0-1 Cal FC
Finally, a historic win by amateur underdogs Cal FC at JELD-WEN capped an already exciting third round.  Despite a whopping forty-three chances on goal, including a Kris Boyd PK, the Timbers failed to make a single one count.  Cal found their goal five minutes into overtime and became the first amateur team to score (much less defeat) Major League Soccer opposition.

Here's the moral of this third round story: Respect the Cup.

So many of the small fry's and amateur clubs are honored to even be included in this competition...so naturally they're gonna fight like crazy to earn the right result.  Its insulting when the big money MLS teams send out they're reserve squads.  Teams like New York and Chivas came to play and won their games.  Teams like LA, Houston, Colombus, and Chicago did not...and they were simply embarrassed.

So cheers to lower division football and the growth of the beautiful game in throughout the States!!

(Also, if you're looking for a bit more detailed recaps, click here.)

The Open Cup is Here!

source: theCup.us

Its that time of year again!  America's oldest and most storied soccer tournament, the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, is underway!!

The Seattle Sounders will look to defend their historic title, having won the tournament three years in a row.  But in an ever-changing game, and with the largest field of competitors to date, who will lift the cup this time around??

The first round of play, mostly comprised of amateur and development teams, finished late tuesday evening.  There have already been a few surprise results, most notably, the PDL powerhouse Kitsap Pumas were beaten 3-1 by Cal FC.

The complete results can be found here in the full bracket:  2012 USOC Bracket

USLPRO and NASL teams enter the competition in the second round and the stage is set for some lively fixtures!  The Charleston Battery have drawn Premier Development League side Reading United AC.  Reading earned their first Open Cup win Tuesday with a 2-1 victory over the Greek Americans.

Look familiar??

The MLS teams have now been entered into the bracket so things start to get very exciting!  Should the Battery progress in their home match against Reading, they will go on to host the New York Red Bulls!!

Now first things first, we need to win Tuesday, but it sure is a thrilling prospect to think Blackbaud could play host to the legendary Thierry Henry and his New York outfit.  With a week to rest up for the match, the Battery should be ready for their first Open Cup tie and we've got the quality this season to make a deep run in the Cup.

The folks at the Battery have said they plan to broadcast Tuesday's match live via UNation, pending USL approval.

Stay tuned for news and results, and as always,  UP THE BATTERY!!