US Open Cup: Round 1 Matchups to Watch

The 2017 Open Cup is officially underway, with the majority of the first round being played today. Here are some of the matches we are excited for.

The 104th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup got underway last night with a Florida Derby. USL-PDL side South Florida Surf was too much for Red Force FC. Despite going into the half tied 1-1, three late goals for the Surf came within a 10-minute span before Red Force pulled one back late, bringing to final tally 4-2. Both teams played a fast, exciting, attack-heavy style, making the match a great opener. Here are some other contests we will be watching.

AFC Cleveland vs Des Moines Menace

AFC Cleveland are the current NPSL champions. Founded in 2012, this will be their second consecutive Open Cup appearance. Last year, AFC Cleveland beat GPS Portland Phoenix in Round 1 before falling to professional side, St Louis FC of USL in Round 2. Brian Potocnik will be the player to watch. The midfielder earned All-NPSL honors during the team’s title run last season and has return to defend the crown. Their Cup draw will be no small task, however.

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Des Moines Menace are one of the most successful amateur sides in the modern era when it comes to Open Cup play. This edition makes their 11th appearance in the tournament. The Menace have had Cup success before. In 2005 the PDL side made a deep run into the fourth round, beating several USL sides before losing to the then Kansas City Wizards. Last year, Des Moines won their first found matchup before upsetting professional side Tulsa Roughnecks of the USL, then fell just short in the third round to San Antonio FC. Leading goalscorer, Leigh Veidman returns and will look to help the team make a similar run this year.

Des Moines Menace will host the match, giving them an additional advantage. The winner will go on to face FC Cincinnati of USL.

Miami United FC vs Boca Raton FC

South Florida soccer is something else. There are few better examples than this cross town rivalry. Both of these teams are relative new, but have a hearty amount of ambition. Both teams play in the NPSL, and are even in the same conference, but Boca Raton qualified for this tournament through the amateur qualifiers before joining NPSL.

Both sides are very familiar with each other. Miami United FC are the reigning Sunshine Conference champions, but new kids in town Boca Raton FC are looking to win the conference in their first season. Miami United won the first meeting this year, a 1-0 victory in the season opener. The clubs just so happened to be drawn against each other for the Open Cup as well. Nothing like a rivalry match in cup play.

Both teams roster a handful of former professional players as well as some up and coming college standouts. The winner will go on to face the Jacksonville Armada of NASL.

Houston Dutch Lions vs NTX Rayados

Don’t just take my word for it. The winner of this high-powered match will face San Antonio FC, arguably the top American side outside of MLS.

Next: Carolina Dynamo look to make USOC noise

Fresno Fuego vs La Maquina FC

This one will be interesting. La Maquina made waves in last year’s Open Cup, rolling through the competition for a fourth round match against the LA Galaxy. The two clubs were neck and neck, tied 1-1 after 90 minutes. In extra time, controversy marred the match as the Galaxy were allowed a controversial goal. The amateur side from Los Angeles look to make another run this year, and a chance to settle some unfinished business with the Galaxy.

The Fuego are no strangers to the Open Cup, either. This appearance marks the fourth for the USL-PDL side, who won their conference last season before falling in the divisional playoffs. Fresno won their 2017 season opener handily 4-0 over Burlingame Dragons, who are also making a cup appearance, and currently roster several players who all played professionally in the USL last season. Expect this match to have plenty of fireworks.