15 Games Highlight Open Cup Third Round as NASL Teams Begin Play

Since the NASL began participating in the competition in 2012, the league as a whole has gone 3-2-0 against USL sides, 4-2-2 against PDL, 5-0-0 vs. the NPSL and 2-0-0 against the USASA.

Fifteen matches in 13 different states will kick off with a Wednesday matinee as Portland Timbers FC 2 visit Seattle Sounders FC 2 at 1 p.m. PT in Tukwila, Wash.

Check out notes on each match below, stay tuned to ussoccer.com Wednesday for live links to matches and follow all the Third Round action via the competition’s official Twitter account @OpenCup.

Game #1: Seattle Sounders FC 2 (USL) vs. Portland Timbers FC 2 (USL)
Time/Location: 1 p.m. PT; Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, Wash.
Seattle Sounders FC 2 Previous Appearances/Best Finish: First appearance
Seattle Sounders FC 2 Overall Record: 1-0-0
Portland Timbers FC 2 Previous Appearances/Best Finish: First appearance
Portland Timbers FC 2 Overall Record: 1-0-0

• Two first half goals from Victor Mansaray and Pablo Rossi seemed to see Seattle cruising in their Second Round match with Kitsap Pumas, but Trevor Jensen’s 65th minute marker and Mike Ramos’ stoppage time equalizer sent the match to extra time. Three minutes into the extra frame, Rossi’s free kick restored Seattle’s lead and Andy Craven put the game on ice just before time, giving Sounders 2 a 4-2 extra time win in their first-ever U.S. Open Cup match.
• Though scoreless through the first 45 with the Michigan Bucks, things were less dramatic in Timbers 2’s Open Cup debut as Seth Casiple set up Kharlton Belmar in the 52nd minute before dishing to Safiu Fatawu in second half stoppage time to ease Portland to a 2-0 victory.
• The match will mark the third meeting between Sounders 2 and Timbers 2 this season and will be the second consecutive match between the two sides after Seattle downed Portland 2-0 on Friday, May 22 at Merlo Field. Seattle also defeated Portland 2-1 on April 11 at Starfire Stadium.
• Seattle remains top of the USL’s Western Conference with a 6-3-1 record (19 points) while Portland are ninth with a 3-4-2 record (11 points).
• The game should stoke some flames ahead of the two rival clubs’ first teams facing off in the tournament’s Fourth Round at the same stadium on June 16.
• The winner will visit Real Salt Lake in Fourth Round play at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah on June 17.

Game #2: Harrisburg City Islanders (USL) vs. Rochester Rhinos (USL)
Time/Location: 7 p.m. ET; Skyline Sports Complex in Harrisburg, Pa.
Harrisburg City Islanders Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 7 (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012; Quarterfinals)
Harrisburg City Islanders Overall Record: 15-7-3
Rochester Rhinos Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 19 (1999; Champions)
Rochester Rhinos Overall Record: 33-15-5

• Harrisburg City Islanders advanced to the Third Round using goals from Danny DiPrima, Cordel Benbowo and Ken Tribbett to earn a 3-0 win at PDL side Reading United.
• Kenardo Forbes’s 39th minute strike was all Rochester needed to defeat NPSL side Greater Binghamtom FC Thunder 1-0 in Second Round play on May 20.
• Wednesday’s match will mark the first game between the two USL sides this season as well as their first-ever meeting in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
• Harrisburg’s Neil Shaffer will serve a one-match suspension after being shown a red card in the side’s 3-0 win over Reading on May 20.
• Following a 0-0 draw with Toronto FC II on May 23, Rochester enter the match with an unbeaten 6-0-4 record  (18 points) in league play and sit first overall in the USL’s Eastern Conference.
• Harrisburg sat idle this past weekend in USL play and are currently fifth in the USL’S Eastern Conference with a 4-2-1 (19 points).
• With a win against Harrisburg, Rochester can equal Chicago Fire’s mark for most overall tournament wins in the “Pro Era” with 34.
• The winner will visit the Philadelphia Union in Fourth Round play at PPL Park in Chester, Pa. on June 16.

Game #3: Richmond Kickers (USL) vs. Jacksonville Armada (NASL)
Time/Location: 7 p.m. ET; Richmond City Stadium in Richmond, Va.
Richmond Kickers Previous Appearances/Best Finish:16 (1995; Champions)
Richmond Kickers Overall Record: 27-14-2
Jacksonville Armada Previous Appearances/Best Finish: First Appearance

• Richmond Kickers got second half goals from Nathan Shiffman (47th) and Jason Yeisley (89th) to earn a 2-0 victory over Virginia Beach City in Second Round play on May 20 at City Stadium.
• Expansion NASL side Jacksonville Armada will make their U.S. Open Cup debut against Richmond Kickers and are coached by former Boca Juniors midfielder and Argentina international Jose Luis Villareal.
• Richmond last fell 2-1 at home to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday, May 23 and are currently in third place in the USL’s Eastern Conference with a 4-2-4 record (16 points).
• Jacksonville comes into the match off a 3-2 away loss to Minnesota United FC on Saturday, May 23 and sit fourth in the NASL’s Spring Season standings with a 3-3-1 record (12 points).
• The match will mark the first time Richmond has met an NASL club in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
• The winner of the match will host Columbus Crew SC on June 17.

Game #4: Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL) vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL)
Time/Location: 7 p.m. ET; Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 12 (2014; Quarterfinals)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds Overall Record: 8-10-3
Tampa Bay Rowdies Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 4 (2013; Fourth Round)
Tampa Bay Rowdies Overall Record: 4-4-0

• Early goals from Rob Vincent (9th minute) and Lebo Molobo (10th minute) and a late strike from Kevin Kerr (87th minute) eased Pittsburgh to a 3-0 Second Round win over the West Virginia Chaos on May 20.
• The Rowdies return to the tournament looking to avenge their 4-1 Third Round upending by USL’s Orlando City in 2014.
• Pittsburgh enters the match coming off a 2-1 away win over the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, May 23. The victory moved the Riverhounds above the USL Eastern Conference’s red playoff line and into sixth with a 3-3-3 record (12 points).
• Sitting idle this past weekend, Tampa Bay comes into the match riding a three-game unbeaten streak in NASL play (1-0-2) and sit third in the league’s Spring table with a 3-1-3 record (12 points).
• Tampa Bay is 1-1-0 all-time vs. USL opponents in the Open Cup while the match will mark Pittsburgh’s first-ever game against an NASL side in the tournament.
• The match winner will host three-time U.S. Open Cup champions D.C. United on June 17.

Game #5: Chattanooga FC (NPSL) vs. Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL)
Time/Location: 7:30 p.m. ET; Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Chattanooga FC Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 2 (2013; Second Round)
Chattanooga FC Overall Record: 1-2-2
Atlanta Silverbacks Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 11 (2014; Quarterfinals)
Atlanta Silverbacks Overall Record: 10-10-2

• One of five amateur teams left in the tournament, Chattanooga FC advanced to the Third Round with a 5-3 shootout victory over USL’s Wilmington Hammerheads following a 1-1 draw. The penalty win was the team’s second straight after dispatching Ocala Stampede via shootout in the First Round.
• The game falls almost a year to the day of last year’s Third Round encounter where Atlanta trounced Chattanooga 5-0 at Finley Stadium.
• Chattanooga enter the match with a perfect 3-0-0 record in NPSL play, last defeating the New Orleans Jesters 3-1 on Saturday.
• Atlanta returns to the competition following their best-ever finish in 2014, a quarterfinal run which saw them eventually fall 3-1 to the Chicago Fire.
• Atlanta come into the game off a 4-2 away loss at FC Edmonton on Sunday, May 24. The Silverbacks sit seventh in the NASL’s Spring table with a 1-2-5 record.
• The winner will visit New York Red Bulls in a Fourth Round encounter at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on June 16.

Game #6: Carolina RailHawks (NASL) vs. Charlotte Independence (USL)
Time/Location: 7:30 p.m. ET; WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.
Carolina RailHawks Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 7 (2007; Semifinals)
Carolina RailHawks Overall Record: 16-7-1
Charlotte Independence Previous Appearances/Best Finish: First appearance
Charlotte Independence Overall Record: 1-0-0

• Charlotte won their debut U.S. Open Cup match, using a hat trick from Tomasz Zahorski and another strike from Enzo Martinez to defeat Upward Stars 4-1 on May 20.
• Carolina returns to the competition after dispatching Chivas USA on penalty kicks and the LA Galaxy in extra time before falling 5-2 to FC Dallas in the 2014 Quarterfinals.
• The Independence come off a 1-1 league draw away to the Charleston Battery while Carolina earned a 1-0 away win at Fort Lauderdale. Both matches were played on Saturday, May 23.
• The RailHawks hold a 5-1-1 all-time record against Division III (USL) sides in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup since the club began participating in 2007.
• Carolina sits fifth overall in the NASL Spring table with a 2-2-4 record (10 points), while Charlotte is eighth in the USL’s Easter Conference with a 2-3-3 record (9 points).
• The winner will visit New England Revolution on June 17 at Harvard University’s Soldiers Field in Boston, Mass.

Game #7: Charleston Battery (USL) vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)
Time/Location: 7:30 p.m. ET; Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C.
Charleston Battery Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 15 (2008; Finalists)
Charleston Battery Overall Record: 26-13-5
Fort Lauderdale Strikers Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 8 (2008; 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014; Third Round)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers Overall Record: 6-6-2

• Charleston set up their Third Round home date against Fort Lauderdale thanks to Heviel Cordoves’ 40th minute strike in a 1-0 win over NPSL side Miami United on May 20.
• The club will be without Cordoves against Fort Lauderdale after the Cuban forward was shown a red card in the 83rd minute of the match.
• Fort Lauderdale returns to the Open Cup in 2015, after being upset in their first match of 2014, falling 3-2 to the PDL’s Laredo Heat in Third Round play.
• The two sides have met once before in Open Cup play, with the Charleston Battery downing, then Miami FC 1-0 in Second Round play on June 16, 2009.
• Charleston enters the match following a 1-1 away draw with the Charlotte Independence on Saturday May 23. With the result, the Battery sit second in the USL’s Easter Conference with a 5-1-4 record (19 points).
• Fort Lauderdale comes into Wednesday’s encounter following a 1-0 home defeat to the Carolina RailHawks. The Strikers are 9th in the NASL Spring table with a 2-4-1 record (7 points).
• With 26 all-time Open Cup wins, Charleston are tied for fifth most wins among 2015 Open Cup participants behind only Chicago Fire (34), Rochester Rhinos (33), D.C. United (31) and Richmond Kickers (27).
• Dating back to their first Open Cup participation in 1999, Charleston is 5-0-1 all-time against Division II (now NASL) sides in the tournament, while this match marks the first time Fort Lauderdale will face a Division III (now USL) opponent in the tournament.
• If the Battery win, they will host Major League Soccer’s Orlando City on June 17 at Charleston’s Blackbaud Stadium. If Fort Lauderdale wins, they’ll visit City on the same date at The Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

Game #8: Indy Eleven (NASL) vs. Louisville City FC (USL)
Time/Location: 7:30 p.m. ET; Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
Indy Eleven Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 1 (2014; Fourth Round)
Indy Eleven Overall Record: 1-1-0
Louisville City FC Previous Appearances/Best Finish: First appearance
Louisville City FC Overall Record: 1-0-0

• Indy Eleven return to the U.S. Open Cup after defeating the Dayton Dutch Lions 5-2 (Third Round) before falling 2-1 in extra time to the Columbus Crew (Fourth Round) in 2014.
• Louisville City FC comes off their U.S. Open Cup debut, using an own goal to defeat NPSL side Lansing United 1-0 in Second Round play on May 20.
• Indy Eleven comes in the match after giving up a late goal in a 1-0 away loss to the Ottawa Fury on May 23. The team sits 11th in the NASL Spring table with a 1-3-3 overall record.
• Louisville used a brace from Matt Fondy to earn a 3-3 away draw with Saint Louis FC in USL play on May 24. The point keeps the side in third place in the Eastern Conference with a 4-1-4 record.
• The winner of the match will move on to a Fourth Round date with the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. on June 16.

Game #9: New York Cosmos (NASL) vs. Jersey Express (PDL)
Time/Location: 7:30 p.m. ET; Belson Stadium in Queens, N.Y.
New York Cosmos Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 1 (2014; Fourth Round)
New York Cosmos Overall Record: 2-1-0
Jersey Express Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 1 (2014; First Round)
Jersey Express Overall Record: 2-1-0

• The New York Cosmos return to the U.S. Open Cup following a 2014 run that saw them defeat the Brooklyn Italians 2-0 (Third Round) and upset the New York Red Bulls 3-0 (Fourth Round) before falling to eventual finalists Philadelphia Union 2-1 in extra time in Fifth Round play.
• One of five amateur teams left in the tournament, Jersey Express advanced to their date with the Cosmos following a 3-1 First Round win over New York Greek American SC and 1-0 Second Round defeat of New York Red Bulls II.
• Originally scheduled for NJIT Stadium in Newark, N.J., the match was moved to Belson Stadium because of construction at the initial venue.
• The last unbeaten side in the NASL, the Cosmos sit atop the Spring table with a 5-0-3 record after last defeating the San Antonio Scorpions 3-0 on May 23.
• Jersey Express are 0-1-0 in PDL play after sitting idle this past weekend.
• Though he never won the Copa del Rey in his years with Real Madrid, Cosmos striker Raul twice won the competition’s Golden Boot in 2001-02 and 2003-04 and did win the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) with Schalke in 2010-11, scoring the lone goal in the side’s 1-0 semifinal victory away to Bayern Munich.
• Should the Cosmos defeat Jersey Express, they’ll host New York City FC in Fourth Round play on June 16. Should the Express be victorious, they’ll visit New York City FC on the same day.

Game #10: Saint Louis FC (USL) vs. Minnesota United FC (NASL)
Time/Location: 7 p.m. CT; Worldwide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo.
Saint Louis FC Previous Appearances/Best Finish: First appearance
Saint Louis FC Overall Record: 1-0-0
Minnesota United FC Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 4 (2012, 2014; Fourth Round)
Minnesota United FC Overall Record: 4-3-0

• Saint Louis FC used goals from Bryan Gaul and Jeremie Lynch to earn a 2-1 extra time win over Des Moines Menace in the club’s Open Cup debut on May 20.
• Minnesota United FC returns for their fifth tournament appearance after dispatching Des Moines 1-0 in Third Round play before falling to Sporting KC 2-0 in the Fourth Round in 2014.
• Minnesota United come into the match following a 3-2 home win over Jacksonville Armada on Saturday. The win pushed United into second place in the NASL Spring table where they have a 3-1-3 record (12 points).
• Saint Louis FC most recently come off a wild 3-3 draw with Louisville City FC on May 24. The result has Saint Louis sitting eighth, one point out of a USL Eastern Conference playoff spot, with a 3-3-2 record (11 points).
• The winner of the match will pay a Fourth Round visit to Sporting KC on June 16 at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan.

Game #11: Tulsa Roughnecks (USL) vs. Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL)
Time/Location: 7:05 p.m. CT; ONEOK Field in Tulsa, Okla.
Tulsa Roughnecks Previous Appearances/Best Finish: First appearance
Tulsa Roughnecks Overall Record: 1-0-0
Oklahoma City Energy FC Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 1 (2014; Third Round)
Oklahoma City Energy FC Overall Record: 2-1-0

• Tulsa used Chad Bond’s 58th minute goal to defeat Seacoast United 1-0 in Second Round play on May 20.
• Oklahoma City Energy advanced to the Third Round thanks to a brace from Kyle Greig and another goal from Casey Townsend in a 3-1 away defeat of Midland/Odessa Sockers on May 20.
• Tulsa comes off of a 1-0 away win over the Austin Aztex on May 24 while Energy FC earned a 2-1 away victory over Sacramento Republic FC on May 23.
• Both sides sit just below the red playoff line in the USL’s Western Conference with Energy FC seventh (3-2-3; 12 points) and the Roughnecks in 10th (3-4-2; 11 points).
• The winner of the match will move on to face FC Dallas in Fourth Round play at TCU Soccer Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas on June 16.

Game #12: San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) vs. Austin Aztex (USL)
Time/Location: 7:30 p.m. CT; Toyota Field in San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio Scorpions Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 3 (2012, 2014; Fourth Round)
San Antonio Scorpions Overall Record: 3-2-1
Austin Aztex Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 1 (2013, 2014; Second Round)
Austin Aztex Overall Record: 2-1-1

• Austin used goals from Julio Cuero and Brian Fekete to earn a 2-0 victory over the Laredo Heat in Second Round play on May 20.
• San Antonio makes their fourth U.S. Open Cup appearance following their 2014 run where they defeated USASA side NTX Rayados 4-2 before falling 2-0 to FC Dallas in the Fourth Round.
• Most recently, Austin fell 1-0 to the Tulsa Roughnecks in USL play on May 24. The result leaves the Aztex in sixth place in the USL’s Western Conference with a 4-5-1 record (13 points).
• San Antonio comes into the match following a 3-0 away defeat to the New York Cosmos on May 23. The Scorpions sit 10th in the NASL Spring table with a 2-4-1 record (7 points).
• The winner of the match will move on to a Fourth Round date with the Houston Dynamo on a date to be determined.

Game #13: Real Monarchs SLC (USL) vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL)
Time/Location: 7 p.m. MT; Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah
Real Monarchs SLC Previous Appearances/Best Finish: First appearance
Real Monarchs SLC Overall Record: 1-0-0
Colorado Springs Switchbacks Previous Appearances/Best Finish: First appearance
Colorado Springs Switchbacks Overall Record: 1-0-0

• Both sides made their U.S. Open Cup debuts on May 20.
• Real Monarchs SLC used Ricardo Velazco’s 76th minute strike to take a 1-0 away victory at the Long Island Rough Riders.
• Marty Maybin’s first half brace was enough for Colorado Springs to hold on for a 2-1 home win over USSSA side Harpo’s FC.
• Colorado Springs will be without the services of Rony Argueta who was shown a red card in the team’s 2-1 win over Harpo’s FC on May 20.
• Real Monarchs enter the match following a 2-1 away defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps 2 on May 24, leaving them 12th in the USL’s Western Conference with a 1-6-3 record (6 points)
• Colorado Springs earned the biggest win of their short history, downing Arizona United SC 5-0 on May 23. The win moved the Switchbacks to eighth in the USL’s Western Conference with a 4-4-0 record (12 points).
• The winner of the match will advance to a Fourth Round match away to the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. on June 16.

Game #14: Ventura County Fusion (PDL) vs. PSA Elite (USASA)
Time/Location: 7 p.m. PT; Ventura College Sportsplex in Ventura, Calif.
Ventura County Fusion Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 5 (2012; Third Round)
Ventura County Fusion Overall Record: 6-4-2
PSA Elite Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 2 (2014; Fourth Round)
PSA Elite Overall Record: 4-3-2

• Of 15 Third Round games to be played on Wednesday, the only one that pits two amateur teams against each other.
• Ventura County Fusion used Matt La Grassa’s first half strike and Abu Danladi’s 91st minute winner to down LA Galaxy II 2-1 in Second Round play on May 20. The win helped the Fusion equal their best Open Cup placement, which came in 2012.
• Prior to that victory, the Fusion played to a 3-3 draw with Cal FC before dispatching the side on penalty kicks in First Round play on May 13.
• PSA Elite advanced to the Third Round following a 7-1 thrashing of Golden State Misioneros (First Round) before goals from Michael Salazar and Mats Bjurman helped the side to a 2-1 Second Round upset of OC Blues on May 20.
• PSA Elite will be without the services of Jamel Wallace who was shown a red card in the team’s victory over OC Blues on May 20.
• Ventura County Fusion enter the match coming off a 1-0 victory over OC Blues U-23, moving the side to 2-2-0 in PDL play.
• The winner of the match will advance to a Fourth Round game at the LA Galaxy on June 17 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

Game #15: Sacramento Republic FC (USL) vs. Chula Vista FC (USASA)
Time/Location: 7:30 p.m. PT; Bonney Field in Sacramento, Calif.
Sacramento Republic FC Previous Appearances/Best Finish: 1 (2014; Fourth Round)
Sacramento Republic FC Overall Record: 3-1-0
Chula Vista FC Previous Appearances/Best Finish: First appearance
Chula Vista FC Overall Record: 2-0-0

• First-time U.S. Open Cup participant Chula Vista FC have become the new “darlings” of the tournament, following their First Round extra time 2-1 defeat of FC Tucson and 3-0 Second Round win away to USL side Arizona United SC.
• Sacramento Republic FC returned to the tournament on May 20, using a hat trick from Thomas Stewart and extra goal from Gabe Gonzalez to see off NPSL side Sonoma County Sol 4-2 at Bonney Field.
• USL (Division III) sides hold an all-time 45-9-3 record over teams representing the USASA in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
• USASA teams are 2-0-0 against USL teams in the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, including Chula Vista’s 3-0 win over Arizona United SC.
• Sacramento Republic enter Wednesday’s Third Round encounter following a 2-1 away defeat to the Oklahoma City Energy on May 23. Despite the loss, Sacramento sit second in the USL’s Western Conference with a 6-5-0 record (18 points).
• The winner of the match will pay a Fourth Round visit to take on the San Jose Earthquakes on June 16 at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, Calif.