While the excitement of the World Cup has been going on, we can’t forget about the excitement of the US Open Cup. US Soccer’s version of England’s FA Cup has been going on since 1914 and out of sixteen matches only six have gone into extra time. One of those six made it to the round of penalties and so far with all the draws going on in the World Cup, the US Open Cup has a great start.

Harrisburg City Islanders 4:2 Brooklyn Italians (AET)
It was an early back and forth contest with the goals as Marco Hamilton of Brooklyn would put his side ahead in the 16th minute, but Nate Jafto of Harrisburg equalized three minutes later. During the second half Paul Nittoli of Brooklyn was able to punch home the second goal in the 65th minute.

As the match clock was getting closer to the final moments of regulation it seemed we would have an upset, but Geoff Bloes of Harrisburg converts the second equalizer in the 88th minute and sent the match into extra time. The Islanders wasted no time when the whistle blew and three minutes into the first half of extra time J.T. Noone would strike and put Harrisburg up for good. Dominic Oppong ended it with a goal in the 119th minute.

Miami FC 4:1 Central Florida Kraze (AET)
Former DC United midfielder Christian Gomez got Miami FC on the board early in the 2nd minute, but it would be Josaiah Miller who got the equalizer for the Kraze in the 57th minute. Heading into extra time it was the Paul Araujo Jr. show as he made the second half of extra time all his own. Scoring four goals in the 110th, 112th, 113th & 119th minutes advances Miami FC into the second Round hosting FC Tampa Bay Rowdies after they defeated Legends FC from Dallas.

Charleston Battery 4:2 CASL Elite
This match was over before it got started and once again the Charleston Battery has shown why they are always ready to play in the US Open Cup, no matter who their opponent is. Brandon Massie got the scoring started in the 7th, then two more from Levi Coleman in the 12th & Zach Prince in the 42nd minute. Even though CASL did pull two back, it wasn’t enough as Tommy Heinemann got a fourth for the Battery.

Other Round 1 Scores
Long Island Rough Riders 2:0 NY Pancyprian Freedoms
Reading United A.C. 1:2 Real Maryland (AET)
Richmond Kickers 1:0 Crystal Palace Baltimore (AET)
Carolina Railhawks 1:0 Charlotte Eagles
Rochester Rhinos 2:0 Dayton Dutch Lions
Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2:1 Detroit United
NSC Minnesota Stars 4:2 K.C. Athletics
Des Moines Menace 0:1 A.C. St. Louis
Legends FC 0:3 FC Tampa Bay Rowdies
Austin Aztex 3:0 Dallas/Ft. Worth Tornados
Ventura County Fusion 1(2):1(4) Arizona Sahuaros (AET & PK’s)
Portland Timbers 3:0 Sonoma County Sol
Kitsap Pumas 4:2 Bay Area Ambassadors (AET)

Round 2 Proper Matches, Tuesday, June 22nd

#17: Harrisburg City Islanders Vs Long Island Rough Riders 7PM EDT
At Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.

#18: Richmond Kickers Vs Real Maryland 7PM EDT
At University of Richmond Stadium; Richmond, Va.

#19: Charleston Battery Vs Carolina Railhawks 7:30PM EDT
At Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C.

#20: Rochester Rhinos Vs Pittsburgh Riverhounds 7:05PM EDT
At Marina Auto Stadium; Rochester, NY

#21: NSC Minnesota Stars Vs A.C. St. Louis 7PM CDT
At National Sports Center; Blaine, MN

#22: Miami FC Vs FC Tampa Bay Rowdies 7:30PM EDT
At Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, FL

#23: Austin Aztex Vs Arizona Sahuaros 7:30PM CDT
At House Park; Austin, TX

#24: Kitsap Pumas Vs Portland Timbers 7PM PDT
At Bremerton Memorial Stadium; Bremerton, WA.

Thursday, June 17th 8:00PM EDT – 5:00PM PDT
One hour show Re-Capping Round 1 of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Guests: Brian Quarstad of Inside Minnesota Soccer
Mikey Buytas Charleston Battery Supporter