U.S. OPEN CUP RECAPS – MAY 7, 2014
Three NPSL teams have advanced to the 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup’s Second Round. Here is a short recap for each of Wednesday’s matches that involved NPSL teams:
FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic (NPSL) 1, GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL) 0 (OT): FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic scored in the second of two overtime periods to beat GPS Portland Phoenix. The teams battled through a scoreless regulation to force extra time, with FC Lehigh Valley finally breaking through with a Shastri Spencer goal in the 114th minute. LVU will host the Harrisburg City Islanders in the next round on May 14.
RWB Adria (USASA) 2, Detroit City FC (NPSL) 2 (Adria wins 3-1 in PKs): RWB Adria from Chicago won a wild first-round matchup against Detroit City FC, topping Detroit 3-1 in penalty kicks for the victory. Tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, both teams failed to score in overtime and each team received two red cards during the overtime periods. Vlad Baciu scored both goals for RWB Adria, the first in the 20th minute and the dramatic second tally during second-half stoppage time to tie the score. Tyler Arnone and Kevin Taylor scored in the 71st and the 77th minutes, respectively, for Detroit City. With the win, RWB Adria advances to face the Michigan Bucks on May 14.
New York Red Bulls U-23s (NPSL) 2, Vermont Voltage (PDL) 1: The New York Red Bulls U-23s scored two first-half goals and held off the Vermont Voltage to win their first-round matchup. Danny Bedoya netted the Red Bulls’ first goal in the 18th minute. Adrian Saldana scored for the Voltage in the 68th minute to put pressure on New York, but failed to come up with the equalizer. The Red Bulls U-23s will play at the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on May 14.
Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 2, CD Aguiluchos USA (NPSL) 1: Ventura County Fusion overcame an early second-half deficit with back-to-back goals in a seven-minute stretch for a first-round victory at Ventura College in Ventura, California. Chongo Kennedy converted a 53rd-minute penalty kick for the equalizer and Peter Gregory scored the game-winner in the 64th minute. The Fusion hosts USL PRO expansion squad Sacramento Republic on May 14.
San Diego Flash (NPSL) 1, S.C. Corinthians USA (US Club Soccer) 0 (forfeit): S.C. Corinthians USA withdrew from the competition as the team did not have enough approved players available before the roster deadline. The San Diego Flash was awarded a 1-0 victory
