Everyone loves a cup set.
But for a chance at a headline-grabbing victory over a professional opponent at the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the 12 teams representing or tied for USL League 2 must compete in a historic tournament. need to navigate the first round of Starts Tuesday night.
Let’s take a quick look at all 10 competitions, including the four teams making their debut this season after qualifying during the 2022 USL League 2 season.
West Chester United FC vs Ocean City Noreasters
venue: YSC Sports, Wayne, Pennsylvania
kick off: Tuesday, 7:30 PM ET
stream: B/R Football
Lowdown: West Chester United FC and Ocean City Noreasters will reunite to face off in Pennsylvania ahead of the new League Two season. Both teams finished 1-2 in the Mid-Atlantic Division a season ago, with the Noreasters qualifying for the division’s playoffs and the Open Cup. Meanwhile, West Chester qualified for the main field in a local qualifier. Directed by Blaise SantangeloWith the university’s regular stable of talent not yet available, Ocean City is looking for local alumni and talent, Including potential goalkeeper Kiesel BloomAfter both teams fell at the first hurdle last year, a clash is promised with NISA’s Maryland Bobcats waiting in the next round.
Appalachian FC vs North Carolina Fusion U23
venue: Ted McCorrell Soccer Complex, Boone, North Carolina
kick off: Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. ET
stream: B/R Football
Lowdown: The North Carolina Fusion U23 were one of the early round stories of the 2022 Open Cup, not only making it through the first round, but also finishing in extra time after knocking out USL League 1 opponents Charlotte Independence. 1 Richmond Kickers. The Fusion’s attempt to replicate that success sees the team face in-state opponents Appalachian FC. This brings a unique crest and mascot to the first entry into the Open Cup. Hopefully Sasquatch remains on the sidelines.
Manhattan SC vs FC Motown
venue: Marilak Field, Bronx, New York
kick off: Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. ET
Lowdown: Another matchup of divisional rivalries in USL League 2, Manhattan SC are hoping to gain the upper hand against FC Motown as they face off in the Bronx in a Battle of Five Wards. Manhattan SC finished first in League Two’s Metropolitan Division last season, dominating both meetings with FC Motown’s squad. FC Motown have summoned the magic of the Open Cup in the past, beating West Chester United FC in the opening round last season. Whichever way they go, in the next round they will face the Flower City Union from NISA.
Club de Leon B vs. Nona FC
venue: Austin Tyndall Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Florida.
kick off: Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. ET
Lowdown: Nona FC will make their Open Cup debut against NISA’s Club de Leon FC reserve team. In their inaugural season in League 2, they are looking to boost their win in the Southeast Division. Nona has been in action this month in preparation, playing against the University of Central Florida in a recent exhibition head Tampa Bay if his team, led by his coach Guillerm Henry, can move forward, his Rowdies will be in the next round. What awaits is the reward of a clash with USL Championship power.
Beeman United FC vs. Des Moines Menace
venue: Dean A. Hayes Stadium, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
kick off: Wednesday, 8:00 PM ET
Lowdown: Continuing the club’s tradition of Open Cup success, the Des Moines Menaces head south to Tennessee for their third consecutive appearance and eighth appearance in their last nine tournaments. Menace usually finds a way forward, and 2017 was the only time in the past decade that he has missed his second-round appearance. They faced Beeman United’s side, who traveled the distance to make their Open Cup debut. Head coach Dean Johnson said: Looking for a possible home draw against Chattanooga FC in the next round and another successful outing.
Tulsa Athletic vs. Brazos Valley Cavalry FC
venue: Hicks Park, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
kick off: Wednesday, 8:00 PM ET
stream: Youtube
Lowdown: League Two’s Brazos Valley Cavalry FC will be in the Open Cup for the first time since 2019 and second overall to northern Oklahoma, facing Tulsa Athletic, who are looking to return to the second round for the second year in a row. When Cavalry last played in the Open Cup, its team included future pros such as Devin Boyce (Greenville Triumph SC) and Philip Goodrum (Memphis 901 FC). This year the Cavalry will be looking to make history for the club and win their first ever Open Cup.
UDA Soccer vs Park City Red Wolves
venue: New Mexico State Soccer Field, Las Cruces, New Mexico
kick off: Wednesday at 9:00 pm
stream: Youtube
Lowdown: After making their debut in last year’s tournament, the Park City Red Wolves will be looking for their first win in the Open Cup as they face the first qualifier UDA soccer in New Mexico. The Red Wolves have qualified for the Open Cup for the second year in a row by winning the Mountain Division of his USL League Two last season. Led by head coach Scott McKenzie, the Red Wolves will take on a locally-qualified UDA football team affiliated with the first college or university to qualify for the modern Open Cup. When they qualified by beating Azteca FC on penalties late last year.
Project 51O vs Crossfire Premier
venue: Orlone College Soccer Field, Fremont, CA
kick off: Wednesday, 10:00 p.m. ET
Lowdown: Project 51O – the pre-pro club of USL Championship Auckland Roots SC – will make their Open Cup debut against the experienced Crossfire Premier Team at home. Project 51O qualified for the Open Cup for the first time as they finished first in the Southwest Division ahead of eventual League Two title winners Ventura County Fusion in 2022. his USL Academy program at Roots SC. Players like young defender Damario McIntosh and midfielder Javier Mariona were able to get their first chance at open cup action here.
Ventura County Fusion vs. Capo FC
venue: Ventura College Sportsplex, Ventura, California
kick off: Wednesday, 10:00 p.m. ET
stream: B/R Football
Lowdown: The Ventura County Fusion will begin its first Open Cup journey since the 2016 season. The hosts are likely to bring in the veterans who have led the team to Ligue 2 glory, starting with a visit from first-time qualifiers Capo FC. A college flair who regularly wears suits in the summer. Ventura County’s deepest run in the Open Cup came 11 years ago, with players like current Houston Dynamo FC defender Danielle Steles, who is now USL Championship side Orange. and reached the third round. If the Fusion gets past Capo FC, they will have another chance to face Orange County in the second round next month.
Cleveland SC vs Lionsbridge FC
venue: North Olmsted High Stadium, North Olmsted, Ohio
kick off: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
Lowdown: Lionsbridge FC will make their Open Cup debut as they head to Ohio to face Cleveland SC. Opening last year he hopes to have a better fortune than his League Two predecessor, who faced off against the hosts in the round. Cleveland equalized in the 90th minute and goalkeeper Conor Cable held Chicago United FC to a 2-1 lead in extra time. Lionsbridge won the Chesapeake Division undefeated last year and qualified for the Open Cup. This year, we aim to make a strong first impression.
