The second round of the 2024 US Open Cup took place this week and there were quite a few interesting results over the week. With that round behind them, the clubs all look forward to the third round, when New Mexico United and other USL clubs make their debut.
Upsets and Amateur Heroics:
- Miami United FC (USSSA/USSL) 2 – 0 Club de Lyon FC (NISA): History was made as Miami United, an amateur team, became the first from a US Specialty Sports Association league to reach the Third Round.
- Lubbock Matadors SC (NPSL) 2 – 0 FORO SC (UPSL): Another amateur side, Lubbock Matadors, continued their dream run with a shutout victory.
- El Farolito (Open Division) 2 – 1 Central Valley Fuego FC (USL League One): El Farolito pulled off a stunning upset on the road, defeating professional side Central Valley Fuego.
- Union Omaha (USL League One) 3 – 1 MNUFC2 (MLS Next Pro): Union Omaha used their home advantage to dispatch MLS Next Pro side MNUFC2.
- South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL League One) 4 – 0 Savannah Clovers FC (NISA): Tormenta FC dominated their NISA rivals, Savannah Clovers, with a convincing win.
- Richmond Kickers (USL League One) 5 – 2 Maryland Bobcats (NISA): Richmond Kickers showcased their attacking prowess with a five-goal performance against NISA’s Maryland Bobcats.
- Charlotte Independence (USL League One) 0 – (0) South Carolina United Heat (USL League Two) (Charlotte Independence won 4-2 on penalties): This close battle went to penalties after a scoreless draw, with Charlotte Independence ultimately advancing.
- One Knoxville SC (USL League One) 2 – 3 (aet) Greenville Triumph SC (USL League One): An extra-time thriller unfolded as Greenville Triumph edged out One Knoxville in a close USL League One battle.
- NYCFC II (MLS Next Pro) 4 – 2 New York Red Bulls II (MLS Next Pro): A New York derby in MLS Next Pro saw NYCFC II claim bragging rights with a two-goal victory.
- Vermont Green FC (USL League Two) 1 – 2 Carolina Core FC (MLS Next Pro): Carolina Core, an MLS Next Pro team, narrowly defeated USL League Two side Vermont Green.
- Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League Two) 2 – 1 Colorado Rapids 2 (MLS Next Pro): In a dramatic extra-time finish, Hailstorm continued their giant-killing streak by defeating Colorado Rapids 2.
With the second round out of the way, it was time for the Cup Competition Committee to draw the third round match-ups. With the third round, watchers will see more of the clubs that they are familiar with, as the USL Championship makes its entry. On Thursday, New Mexico United and 23 other USL Clubs found out their fate.
Tuesday, April 16
- Union Omaha SC vs El Paso Locomotive FC
- FC Tulsa vs Northern Colorado Hailstorm
- New Mexico United vs Lubbock Matadors
- Hartford Athletics vs NYCFC II
- Oakland Roots SC vs El Farolito
- Carolina vs Carolina Core FC
- Memphis 901 FC vs Miami United
- Las Vegas Lights vs Spokane Velocity FC
- Miami vs South Georgia Tormenta
- Richmond vs Loudoun United FC
- Charlotte Independence vs Rhode Island FC
- Birmingham Legion FC vs Chattanooga Red Wolves
- Chicago Fire FC II vs Indy Eleven
- Louisville City vs Greenville Triumph SC
- Detroit City FC vs Michigan Stars SC
- Monterey Bay FC vs Irvine Zeta FC
New Mexico United and their opponents, Lubbock Matadors have already confirmed their meetings. United will return to a familiar set of confines, Rio Rancho High School, for a second straight year. The last time they played in Rio Rancho, United beat UDA handily. This time, they’re hosting the Matadors on what will hopefully be a better weather evening than last year. On Tuesday, April 16 at 7 PM, the two sides will face off in the third round of the 2024 US Open Cup with a possible regional matchup in the fourth round.