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LamarHuntCup

US Open Cup Changes Announced

Date CategoryUSA Tagged With:

LamarHuntCupThe largest field of teams and a significant increase in prize money highlight the 100th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, which kicks off May 7.

The 2013 tournament features 68 teams, an increase from the 64 that competed last year, marking the largest field in the modern era (1995-present). This year also marks the second-consecutive year in which all U.S. based Division I, II and III teams will participate in the tournament proper: 16 from Major League Soccer, six from the North American Soccer League and 12 from USL PRO.

The amount of prize money distributed will also see a substantial increase, with the overall champion earning a total of $250,000 (up from $100,000 in recent years). The tournament runner-up will receive $60,000 (up from $50,000) and the team that advances the furthest from each lower division will win $15,000 (up from $10,000).

Another significant change for 2013 is the process for determining the site for the Open Cup tournament semifinals and final. In past years, the sites for the final three matches of the tournament had been determined through a sealed-bid process, but this year the hosts of those games will be determined by a coin flip. Home teams throughout the entire tournament will be determined by random selection.

Beyond the Division I, II, and III teams, the remaining 34 spots in the tournament field will be filled by amateur teams from the Adult Council category. There will be 16 from the Premier Development League, eight from U.S. Adult Soccer Association regional qualifying, eight from the National Premier Soccer League, one from US Club Soccer and one from the United States Specialty Sports Association. Entry deadline for all amateur teams is March 15.

The tournament will begin with the Play-In Round to be completed by May 7 and will culminate with the tournament final, which will take place on Oct. 1 or 2.

2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Facts:

  • Largest field of teams (68) in tournament proper in competition’s modern era (1995-present), eclipsing previous record of 64 (2012)
  • Second consecutive year in modern era where all U.S.-based Division I, II and III professional clubs will participate in tournament proper
  • Home teams through entire tournament to be determined by random selection (change from sealed bid process for semifinals and final)
  • Largest field of professional teams (34) in tournament proper in competition’s modern era, eclipsing previous record of 32 (2012)
  • Largest field of amateur teams (34) in tournament proper in competition’s modern era, surpassing previous record of 32 (2012).

Tournament Format and Match Dates:

Qualifying Deadline Date: April 28

Play-In Round Number of Games: 2 Date: May 7 One NPSL team will take on the US Club Soccer representative, while a second NPSL team faces the USSSA representative.

First Round Number of Games: 18 Date: May 14 Two winners from Play-In Round join remaining 30 Adult Council category teams and four USL PRO teams (Dayton Dutch Lions, Pittsburgh Riverhounds and expansion sides Phoenix FC Wolves and VSI Tampa Bay FC).

Second Round Number of Games: 16 Date: May 21 Eighteen (18) winners from First Round join remaining eight USL PRO clubs and six NASL teams.

Third Round Number of Games: 16 Date: May 28 Sixteen (16) winners from Second Round are paired against 16 MLS sides.

Fourth Round Number of Games: 8 Date: June 12 Sixteen (16) winners from Third Round face each other.

Quarterfinals Date: June 26 Fourth Round winners face each other.

Semifinals Date: Aug. 7 or 21 Quarterfinal winners face each other.

Final Date: Oct. 1 or 2

Participating Professional Teams (34 total)
Major League Soccer (Division I – 16 teams): Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy, New England Revolution, New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City.
North American Soccer League (Division II – 6 teams): Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Minnesota Stars FC, San Antonio Scorpions, Tampa Bay Rowdies.

USL PRO (Division III – 12 teams): Charleston Battery, Charlotte Eagles, Dayton Dutch Lions, Harrisburg City Islanders, Los Angeles Blues, Orlando City, Phoenix FC Wolves, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Richmond Kickers, Rochester Rhinos, VSI Tampa Bay FC, Wilmington Hammerheads.

Distribution of Amateur-Level Places (34 total):

U.S. Adult Soccer Association Regional Qualifiers - 8 places: Four USASA regional qualifiers advanced to the second round in 2012, including Cinderella story Cal FC, who reached the fourth round.
United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League - 16 places: The PDL will have the largest representation among amateur leagues. In 2012 the Michigan Bucks were the lone PDL team to reach the fourth round.
National Premier Soccer League – 8 places: The NPSL is a national amateur league affiliated with the USASA. Prior to last year, its teams participated via USASA regional qualifying.
US Club Soccer – 1 place: US Club Soccer is an organization member of U.S. Soccer. It was first represented in last year’s tournament.
U.S. Specialty Sports Association – 1 place: The USSSA is an organization member of U.S. Soccer. Its clubs will be participating for the first time in this year’s tournament.

      VIA ussoccer.com

Sporting KC Advances to Quarterfinals in Lamar Hunt USOC

Date CategorySporting KC Tagged With: , ,

SportingKC.com reports that  Sporting Kansas City advanced to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals with a 2-0 win over the Colorado Rapids on Tuesday at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. Sporting Kansas City opened the scoring on a header from Aurelien Collin in the 27th minute and secured their victory with a volley from Teal Bunbury in the 79th minute.

Sporting Kansas City will next host USL PRO side Dayton Dutch Lions, who were 2-1 winners over the Michigan Bucks (PDL), at 7:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, June 26 at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. Tickets to the match are included for all Sporting Kansas City Season Ticket Members and will be available to purchase at Ticketmaster or at the LSP Box Offices.

Sporting Kansas City opened the first half strong, keeping the game in Colorado’s end for most of the half. The chances came early, most notably in the 11th minute with a long throw-in from Matt Besler to Chance Myers in front of the Colorado goalmouth. Myers attempted to re-direct the ball with his heel but it bounced just over the bar.

Sporting Kansas City continued to pressure Colorado with a left-footed shot wide of the right post from Peterson Joseph in the 19th minute of play.

Zusi created another chance for Sporting KC in the 22nd minute when he served in a cross from the left side to Jacob Peterson, who got a head on the ball but hit the right side netting.

Sporting Kansas City claimed the first goal of the night in the 27th minute with an own goal from goalkeeper Matt Pickens. A free kick from Zusi onto the head of Collin was knocked by Pickens to the far post and ricocheted back to Pickens’ gloves and into the net.

Colorado, relatively quiet until then, responded two minutes later with a shot from striker Wells Thompson 40 yards out on the right, but goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen made his first save of the night, punching the ball out wide and saving a potential equalizer from Colorado.

The Rapids threatened again in the 36th minute when midfielder Jaime Castrillon played the ball out wide left to forward Tony Cascio, who took a low, powerful shot but hit the side of the net.

Colorado began the second half with a purpose. In the 52nd minute, midfielder Martin Rivero dribbled down the right sideline and crossed to Castrillon, who took a one-touch shot that hit the post. The ball then bounced back to Edu’s feet, but Collin disrupted the play and cleared the ball.

The 69th minute saw end-to-end action in front of the crowd of nearly 15,000 at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. Zusi had a close-range shot deflected near Colorado’s goal that resulted in a dangerous counterattack from the Rapids. However, Collin was there to thwart the attack from Edu with a confident tackle at the top of the penalty area.

Sporting KC continued to threaten Colorado’s defense when Bunbury received the ball off a cross from Joseph in the 72nd minute. Bunbury retained the ball despite pressure from two defenders, turned and shot the ball low into Pickens’ gloves.

Bunbury’s persistence paid off in the 79th minute when he notched the second goal for Sporting Kansas City. Soony Saad, who entered the match in the 73rd minute along with Lawrence Olum, made a lofted cross to Sapong inside the penalty area. Rapids defender Kosuke Kimura won the initial aerial challenge but Sapong was there for the ensuing header and directed the ball to Bunbury, who curled the ball past Pickens with the top of his right foot. The goal marked Bunbury’s third in U.S. Open Cup play and his third of the season in all competitions.

The final ten minutes of the match saw a physical battle in the midfield but no striking chances for either side. Sporting KC captain Jimmy Nielsen made two saves to earn the clean sheet, his first in U.S. Open Cup play and his sixth in all competitions this season.

Sporting Kansas City will return to MLS league action when they face Toronto FC at 7:30 p.m. CT at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com or at the LSP Box Offices.

FAST FACTS:

  • Colorado goalkeeper Matt Pickens scored an own goal in the 27th minute of the match to give Sporting Kansas City the 1-0 lead.
  • The own goal is the third for Sporting KC in U.S. Open Cup history and first since the 2002 semifinals against Columbus.
  • Teal Bunbury scored the second goal in tonight’s competition. The goal is Bunbury’s third goal in U.S. Open Cup competition which ties him for fourth most in club history.
  • C.J. Sapong notched the assist on Bunbury’s goal. The assist is Sapong’s second assist in Open Cup competition which ranks fourth all-time for the team.
  • Sporting Kansas City is 15-12-4 all-time in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup action.
  • Sporting Kansas City improves to 6-5-1 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup forth round.
  • Sporting Kansas City is now 6-8-1 against MLS opponents and 10-5-1 at home in U.S. Open Cup play.
  • Sporting Kansas City has scored 61 goals in U.S. Open Cup contests and has conceded 41.
  • Tonight’s match marked Jimmy Nielsen’s first appearance in U.S. Open Cup competition.
  • Nielsen earned a shutout in tonight’s match marking Kansas City’s 11th all-time in Open Cup play.
  • Julio Cesar also made his first appearance in U.S. Open Cup competition.
  • Dayton Dutch Lions defeated Michigan Bucks 2-1 on Tuesday. Sporting Kansas City will host Dayton on June 26th in the quarterfinals.
  • The match will mark Sporting Kansas City’s 8th appearance in the quarterfinals and second straight season amongst the tournament’s final eight.
  • The win is Sporting Kansas City’s first against an MLS opponent in the Open Cup since the 2004 final, in which Kansas City beat Chicago 1-0 in extra time.
  • The win also marks the first time Sporting Kansas City won back-to-back games in the U.S. Open Cup since 2004.
  • Tuesday’s win was Sporting Kansas City’s first against the Colorado Rapids in Open Cup competition. Sporting KC’s record in the Open Cup series now stands at 1-3-1.

Lamar Hunt US Open Cup pairings announced

Date CategoryPro's Tagged With: , ,

As reported by US Soccer:

CHICAGO (June 2, 2012) – U.S. Soccer has announced the quarterfinal possible pairings and locations for the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Results from the fourth round of play next Tuesday, June 5, will determine the matchups for the quarterfinals taking place on Tuesday, June 26.

The remaining 16-team field consists of eight Major League Soccer (Division I) teams, three clubs from the North American Soccer League (Division II), three from USL PRO (Division III), one Premier Development League (amateur) team and one USASA (amateur) regional qualifier.

The 99th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup includes a random selection process for determining home teams from the first round through the quarterfinals among clubs that have applied to host. The process, conducted by a coin flip, gives participating teams with venues meeting tournament standards an equal chance at hosting their possible opponent for these rounds.

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Schedule QUARTERFINALS – Tuesday, June 26 New York Red Bulls (MLS)/Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) Winner at D.C. United (MLS): RFK Stadium; Washington, D.C.; 7:30 p.m. ET

OR

 

New York Red Bulls (MLS)/Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) Winner at Philadelphia Union (MLS): PPL Park; Chester, Pa.; 7:30 p.m. ET

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Michigan Bucks (PDL)/Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) Winner at Sporting Kansas City (MLS): LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.; 7:30 p.m. CT

OR

 

Michigan Bucks (PDL)/Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) Winner at Colorado Rapids (MLS): Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, Colo.; 7 p.m. MT

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Chivas USA (MLS)/Carolina RailHawks (NASL) Winner at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL): Heroes Stadium; San Antonio, Texas; 7:30 p.m. CT

OR

 

Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at Chivas USA (MLS): Home Depot Center Track & Field Stadium; Carson, Calif.; 7:30 p.m. PT

OR

 

Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL): WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.; 7:07 p.m. ET

—

Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)/Cal FC (USASA) Winner at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS): Kezar Stadium; San Francisco, Calif.; 7:30 p.m. PT

OR

 

Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)/Cal FC (USASA) Winner at Minnesota Stars FC (NASL): National Sports Center; Blaine, Minn.; 7:30 p.m. CT

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FOURTH ROUND – Tuesday, June 5 New York Red Bulls (MLS) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO): Skyline Sports Complex*; Harrisburg, Pa.*; 7:30 p.m. ET

Philadelphia Union (MLS) at D.C. United (MLS): Maryland SoccerPlex; Boyds, Md.; 7:30 p.m. ET

Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Michigan Bucks (PDL): Oakland University Soccer Field*; Rochester, Mich.*; 7:30 p.m. ET

Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS): LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.; 7:30 p.m. CT

Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL): Heroes Stadium; San Antonio, Texas; 7:30 p.m. CT

Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS): Cagan Stadium, Stanford University; Stanford, Calif.; 8 p.m. PT*

Cal FC (USASA) at Seattle Sounders FC (MLS): Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.; 7 p.m. PT

Chivas USA (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL): WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.; 7:07 p.m. ET

 

* Note: Changed from original May 23 announcement

 

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THIRD-ROUND RESULTS – Tuesday, May 29, and Wednesday, May 30 San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) 1, Houston Dynamo (MLS) 0: Heroes Stadium; San Antonio, Texas; May 29

Michigan Bucks (PDL) 3, Chicago Fire (MLS) 2 (OT): Ultimate Soccer Arena; Pontiac, Mich.; May 29

Sporting Kansas City (MLS) 3, Orlando City Soccer Club (USL PRO) 2: LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.; May 29

D.C. United (MLS) 2, Richmond Kickers (USL PRO) 1 (OT): Richmond City Stadium; Richmond, Va.; May 29

Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) 2, Columbus Crew (MLS) 1: Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio; May 29

Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) 2, FC Dallas (MLS) 0: FC Dallas Stadium; Frisco, Texas; May 29

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) 2, Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) 1: Cagan Stadium, Stanford University; Stanford, Calif.; May 29

Philadelphia Union (MLS) 3, Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO) 0: PPL Park; Chester, Pa.; May 29

Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) 4, New England Revolution (MLS) 3 (PKs): Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.; May 29

New York Red Bulls (MLS) 3, Charleston Battery (USL PRO) 0: Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C., May 29

Chivas USA (MLS) 1, Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 0: Ventura College; Ventura, Calif.; May 29

Carolina RailHawks (NASL) 2, LA Galaxy (MLS) 1: WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.; May 29

Colorado Rapids (MLS) 3, Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) 1: Al Lang Stadium; St. Petersburg, Fla.; May 29

Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) 3, Real Salt Lake (MLS) 1: Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, Utah.; May 29

Seattle Sounders (MLS) 5, Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 1: Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.; May 30

Cal FC (USASA) 1, Portland Timbers (MLS) 0 (OT): JELD-WEN Field; Portland, Ore.; May 30

 

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SECOND-ROUND RESULTS – Tuesday, May 22 Michigan Bucks (PDL) 1, Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO) 0: Chartiers Valley Stadium; Bridgeville, Pa.

 

Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) 2, Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) 0: Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.

 

Cal FC (USASA) 4, Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO) 0: Legion Sports Complex; Wilmington, N.C.

 

Carolina RailHawks (NASL) 6, PSA Elite (USASA) 0: WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.

 

Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) 7, Fresno Fuego (PDL) 2: Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

 

Orlando City Soccer Club (USL PRO) 7, K.C. Athletics (USASA) 0: Seminole Soccer Complex; Sanford, Fla.

 

Charleston Battery (USL PRO) 2, Reading United AC (PDL) 1: Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C.

Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO) 3, Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) 0: Sahlen’s Stadium; Rochester, N.Y.

Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) 3, Jacksonville United (NPSL) 0: Patton Park; Jacksonville, Fla.

Richmond Kickers (USL PRO) 4, Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC (USASA) 0: Maryland SoccerPlex Stadium; Boyds, Md.

Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 1, at Georgia Revolution (NPSL) 0: RYSA Soccerplex; Conyers, Ga.

San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) 2, Laredo Heat (PDL) 0: Blossom Athletic Center; San Antonio, Texas

Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) 2, Chicago Fire PDL (PDL) 1: Toyota Park Practice Field; Bridgeview, Ill.

Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) 2, Des Moines Menace (PDL) 0: Valley Stadium; Des Moines, Iowa

 

Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) 1, El Paso Patriots (PDL) 0: Patriots Stadium; El Paso, Texas.

Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 3, Los Angeles Blues (USL PRO) 1 (OT): Hal Shurbeck Field, Fullerton College; Fullerton, Calif.

 

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FIRST-ROUND RESULTS – Tuesday, May 15 Jacksonville United (NPSL) 2, Orlando City U-23s (PDL) 1: Seminole Soccer Complex; Sanford, Fla.

 

Reading United AC (PDL) 2, N.Y. Greek Americans (USASA) 1 : Ray Buss Field, Fleetwood High School; Fleetwood, Pa.

 

Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) 2, FC Sonic (NPSL) 0: Whitehall High School Stadium; Whitehall, Pa.

Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC (USASA) 3, Carolina Dynamo (PDL) 1: Maryland SoccerPlex; Boyds, Md.

Michigan Bucks (PDL) 6, Jersey Shore Boca (USASA) 0: Ultimate Soccer; Pontiac, Mich.

Georgia Revolution (NPSL) 1, Mississippi Brilla FC (PDL) 0 (OT): RYSA Soccerplex; Conyers, Ga.

 

Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) 3, GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL) 2: Memorial Field, Deering High School; Portland, Maine

Chicago Fire PDL (PDL) 1, Croatian Eagles (USASA) 0: Toyota Park Practice Field; Bridgeview, Ill.

Des Moines Menace (PDL) 3, Milwaukee Bavarians (NPSL) 1 (OT): Bavarian Soccer Park; Glendale, Wis.

Laredo Heat (PDL) 4, ASC New Stars (USASA) 2 (OT): Texas A&M International University; Laredo, Texas.

K.C. Athletics (USASA) 3, Real Colorado Foxes (PDL) 1: Colorado School of Mines Soccer Stadium; Golden, Colo.

 

El Paso Patriots (PDL) 3, NTX Rayados (USASA) 1: Patriots Stadium; El Paso, Texas.

Fresno Fuego (PDL) 2, Stanislaus United Turlock Express (US Club Soccer) 0: Academica Fields; Turlock, Calif.

PSA Elite (USASA) 3, Portland Timbers U-23s (PDL) 1: JELD-WEN Field; Portland, Ore.

Cal FC (USASA) 3, Kitsap Pumas (PDL) 1: Bremerton Memorial Stadium; Bremerton, Wash.

 

Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 6, Fullerton Rangers (NPSL) 2 (OT): Santa Ana Bowl; Santa Ana, Calif.

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2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Schedule (Per Round) May 15: First Round May 22: Second Round May 29-30: Third Round June 5: Fourth Round June 26: Quarterfinals July 10: Semifinals Aug. 7 or 8: Final