2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup: First Round Preview (Day 1)
After a two-year hiatus, one of the longest running cup competitions, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, is back! Atlanta United’s reign as U.S. Open Cup champion will finally come to end, as professional and amateur clubs collide for a chance at US soccer glory. The qualifying round, which starts today, will feature a group of amateur or semi-professional clubs. Let’s take a look at some of the matchups and my predictions for the opening day of the US Open Cup.
FC Motown (NPSL) vs West Chester United SC (USL League Two)
It’s not easy to find accurate rosters when you get to the lower divisions and leagues of U.S. soccer pyramid. However, we do know some key players for both sides heading into Open Cup action. Motown have had quite an off-season, signing several former MLS players such as Dilly Duka, Gideon Baah, and Mike da Fonte. Motown are also coached by former New York Red Bulls player Sacir Hot. From what I can tell, West Chester United SC is a group of college kids who compete in USL League Two during the NCAA Soccer offseason.
My Prediction: FC Motown
I don’t think that three former-MLS players can win a game alone, but I’m going with FC Motown for the win.
Cleveland SC (NPSL) vs Chicago FC United (USL League Two)
If you thought that finding rosters for the last matchup was hard… WOW! Initial research shows that this match will feature two rosters filled with NCAA talent, which is to be expected in the early rounds of the U.S. Open Cup. Last year, Cleveland SC won the NPSL Rust Belt Conference and the West Region, but ended up losing in extra time of the NSPL National Semifinal. Chicago FC United finished second in the USL League Two Heartland Division but lost in the Central Conference Quarterfinals.
My Prediction: Cleveland SC
I personally think that NPSL has a higher level of competition than USL League 2, so NPSL side Cleveland SC should get the win.
Hartford City FC (NPSL) vs Oyster Bay United FC (UPSL)
Hartford City is another NPSL side filled with college talent. Hartford won the NPSL North Atlantic Conference Final in 2021 and went on a playoff run as well. Like Cleveland SC, Hartford lost in the National Semifinals. Hartford City will be facing off against UPSL side Oyster Bay United FC, which has gone on a magical run to eliminate three established clubs and are making their first U.S. Open Cup appearance.
My Prediction: Oyster May United FC
Long Island-natives Oyster Bay United FC could be primed for an upset in the first round of the US Open Cup – I think they steal a win here.
The Villages SC (USL League Two) vs Orlando FC Wolves (Amateur)
This matchup features the first full amateur club of the tournament. Orlando FC Wolves will be playing USL League Two side The Villages SC, which many U.S. soccer fans are familiar with. Villages SC have Open Cup experience, so taking on an amateur club that qualified for this tournament through a COVID cancellation should be no problem.
My Prediction: The Villages SC
Sorry to everyone who loves a good tournament story, but Orlando FC is not going to player Cinderella here – The Villages SC advance.
Southern States SC (NPSL) vs Georgia Revolution FC (NPSL)
Two of the better teams in NPSL from 2021 face off in this first round US Open Cup matchup. Southern States SC finished third in the NPSL Gulf Coast Conference and went on to win the Conference Final. Southern States made it all the way to the South Regional Finals, but lost to Tulsa Athletic. In the same year, Georgia Revolution FC finished first in the NPSL Southeast Conference and won the Conference Final, but lost in the North Regional Semifinals.
My Prediction: Georgia Revolution FC
I know the Georgia Revolution are the traveling team here, but since they kept a good portion of their 2021 NPSL squad, they should go on to win this matchup.
Denton Diablos FC (NPSL) vs DKSC (Amateur)
The Denton Diablos are one of the most established and talented clubs in NPSL. The Diablos uses local Denton, TX talent to consistently put them atop the league year after year. In 2021, Denton finished first in the NPSL Lone Star Conference, won the Conference Final, the West Region Final and captured the NPSL National Final championship! The D’Feeters Kicks Soccer Club (DKSC), on the other hand, are a well-established academy in Texas – despite their amateur status, they have connections to the FC Dallas academy.
My Prediction: Denton Diablos FC
Denton is very good and should have no issues with the amateur side in DKSC, even if they have some MLS ties.
