The US Open Cup is a special event that has gotten a lot of attention as of late. MLS teams have crashed out of the competition at an alarming rate in our country’s version of the FA Cup. Josh Hakala, senior editor of TheCup.us, helped us answer a few questions about this year’s matchups. 1. Some analysts have claimed that Cal FC’s defeat of the Timbers is the greatest upset in Cup history. Do you agree or disagree? How will they
Vinny Bell and Tyler Johnston scored goals for AFC Cleveland (2-0-3) as they landed a 2-2 draw with FC Buffalo in a Rust Belt Derby match. Bell scored in the first half, capitalizing on a Buffalo turnover. This would give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The Blitzers brought things even at 1-1 thanks to an Alexander Rouse goal nineteen minutes later. Former Hertha Berlin and Maccabi Haifa striker Anthony Bahadur would make his AFC Cleveland debut during the match, but would have to
A strong second half by AFC Cleveland (2-0-2) helped the home team shutout Greater Binghamton FC 3-0. Goals by Thomas Schmitt, Vaughn Spurrier, and Dean Miller paced Cleveland’s attack in dominating fashion. The first half was rather pedestrian as each side struggled to gain the upper hand. Cleveland would hold a slight advantage statistically, but the score remained 0-0 after 45 minutes. The second half started strong for the visitors, but their fortunes quickly changed after Schmitt slotted one past the
Two top players from the University of Akron have joined AFC Cleveland of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Forward Thomas Schmitt of Berea, Ohio is a senior forward for the 2010 National Champion Akron Zips. Schmitt is expected to be a starter this fall after an impressive spring season that included five goals against Wright State on April 28. Schmitt scored five goals, two of which were game-winners, in 2011 as he saw action in 23 matches on his way
Krystian Witkowski is literally living a dream. Playing for childhood hero Peter Nowak at the Philadelphia Union, months after finishing his career at Marist College (NY), is pure bliss for the former U-18 Poland national team player. “MLS is a dream come true,” Witkowski stated. “Every morning when I wake up, I can’t think of a better job.” He has embraced his role as a defensive midfielder for the Union. His fitness and quality touch on the ball have made him
AFC Cleveland came away with an exciting 4-2 victory over the visiting FC Buffalo Friday night. “Any time, any season the first win is vital,” AFC Cleveland manager Andy Hoggarth commented. “But the first win in franchise history is massive.” The attack was balanced as four different AFC Cleveland players found the back of the net. Case Western Reserve striker Vinny Bell opened the scoring for the home side in the 41st with a successful PK attempt. “We ‘ve been down both
A stoppage time goal by English defender Ruairidh Winters gave AFC Cleveland a 2-2 draw with Greater Binghamton FC (0-0-1) in their first-ever home match. “Obviously we are delighted with the end result,” AFC Cleveland manager Andy Hoggarth stated. “The boys battled all the way until the end.” The visitors scored in the 30th and 40th minutes, giving Cleveland a 2-0 deficit at halftime. It wasn’t to say that there was a shortage of opportunities for the home team as Michael Matlock, Yianni
A goal by Case Western Reserve striker Vinny Bell was enough to earn AFC Cleveland a 1-1 draw with Detroit City FC Saturday night. It was Cleveland’s first ever regular season match and first ever road match. Detroit opened the scoring with a goal in the 11th minute by Stefan St. Louis. Bell’s strike in the 34th brought things even at 1-1. Cleveland goalkeeper Ben Yabrow was called upon several times to deny the home team’s attack, landing two spectacular saves
Who are the favorites to win the Open Cup this year? I think it really comes down to depth and a team’s commitment to winning the tournament. It’s been nice to see fewer and fewer teams just throwing out 3rd string lineups as the years pass, but I think that has a lot to do with the rosters expanding and having the Champions League as a reward for winning the tournament. What is the likelihood of a non-MLS team winning the Cup? That’s