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US Open Cup: OSA FC Team Profile and Match Preview

By Nathan Reynolds

Sep 13, 2016; Frisco, TX, USA; A view of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy before the game between FC Dallas and the New England Revolution at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas defeats the New England Revolution 4-2 to win the U.S. Open Cup. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2016; Frisco, TX, USA; A view of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy before the game between FC Dallas and the New England Revolution at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas defeats the New England Revolution 4-2 to win the U.S. Open Cup. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Overshadowed by the much larger brand in the area, the Seattle Sounders, OSA FC is looking to upset a USL side in round two of the US Open Cup.

When soccer fans around the world, country or even local area think of the beautiful game in Seattle, they most likely think of the Seattle Sounders. The massive CenturyLink stadium, home to the current MLS Champions and thousands of rave green supporters. However, the US Open Cup is the chance for smaller, younger clubs to step into focus.

OSA FC is growing the game in the greater-Seattle area and proved in round one that results are decided on the field and not just by the name. The club shares the Tukwila soccer stadium with the Sounders organization, but is distinctly on their own otherwise. Boasting the blue and yellow, OSA stands out from the typical soccer colors you may see around Seattle.

Now in the second round the club has their sights set on topping a second-tier USL club. While they won’t be looking ahead, a potential fourth round match-up with the Sounders is possible.

Brief History

The club originally started as FC Tacoma 253 in 2014. The team won their first ever match, which was a US Open Cup first round tie, over Spartans Futbol Club two to one. They finished first in their conference before falling in the NPSL playoffs. After the season the organization rebranded into OSA FC and relocated.

After the season the organization rebranded into OSA FC and relocated. They now operate from Kent, WA, just south of Seattle, and hold matches at French Field and Starfire Sports Complex. The club has a partnership agreement with Fiorentina in Seria A, and run a women’s professional team under the same name in the WPSL.

How They Got Here

OSA FC enters the US Open Cup based on their membership in the NPSL (National Premier Soccer League). The NPSL sits as a 4th division league in the US soccer pyramid. All clubs from the NPSL are automatically entered into the Cup competition during the first round.

In the opening round, OSA defeated the Seattle Sounders U-23 side on penalty kicks five to three, after going to a scoreless draw in regulation.

Player To Watch For

Alexander Roldan, the younger brother of Seattle Sounder, and MLS Champion, Christian. The Seattle University midfielder joined the NPSL side this season ahead of his senior year next fall. In the 2016 season at Seattle Univ. Christian was one of only three players to start all 19 matches. He led the team with eight goals and tallied three assists.

A sign of his ability is the fact that he only picked up a single yellow card all year while playing in the middle of the park. He didn’t get in during the OFA’s opening round win, but now with more time with the squad, the match-up against Reno could be his chance to make an impact for OSA.

Playing in the Seattle area, and with a now well-known last name in the MLS community, Alex will have an increasing focus on his play over the next seven months before looking towards a potential draft pick.

Next: US Open Cup: Carolina Dynamo Team Profile

Open Cup Second Round Match Info:

When: May 17 7:30 pm PT

Where: Starfire Sports Complex, Tukwila, Washington

Up Next: If OSA wins they would host the winner between Sacramento Republic FC (USL) and Anahuac FC on May 31 in Tukwila.

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