Cupsets, Cinderella stories, and even a few unexpected cameos (looking at you Sacha Kljestan and Des Moines Menace); this year’s US Open Cup has not disappointed.
Soccer fans of the South and Southeast rejoice, we’ve got some great match-ups in Round 3. For soccer fans in the Southeast, we have already been blessed with some quality matches and intriguing storylines from the Second Round. The Third Round will see the victorious 16 teams from the first two rounds advance to face 16 new teams from the USL Championship. For Atlanta United fans, there will be plenty of regional interest along with clubs featuring former players and coaches.
South Georgia Tormenta (USL1) vs The Miami FC (USLC), April 17, 7:30 pm, FIU Soccer Stadium; Miami, FL
South Georgia Tormenta look to keep their winning streak alive against David Mejia and The Miami FC. Their second round fixture featured the first and potentially last South Georgia Derby between South Georgia Tormenta and the Savannah Clovers (more on that to come from Calum Ewing) ending a in 4-0 walloping by the Tormenta. For Tormenta, Miami could be an intriguing match-up because of how even these teams should be. Miami is in a youth-led rebuild this season with the intent of developing their own squad rather than relying on expensive older talent. If they can get it right, it could set them up for years of success. They looked tough on defense in their narrow loss to the Charleston Battery last week and could set the Tormenta up for an intriguing chess match of counter attacks, pressure, and heroics.
Memphis 901 FC (USLC) vs Miami United (USSSA), April 17, 7:30 pm, AutoZone Park; Memphis, TN
Miami United made history on April 3rd as the first team from the amateur United States Specialty Soccer Association (USSSA) to reach the 3rd Round of the US Open Cup. That was the big story of the day until even wilder news broke the evening of the 3rd Round Draw. Accusations emerged that several Miami United players had placed bets on their own match at the Hard Rock casino prior to their match against NISA’s Club de Lyon in Pembroke Pines. If the US Soccer Federation or the organizers of the US Open Cup do not ban the team outright, they will play Stephen Glass’s Memphis 901 FC. All of these distractions around the match plus the added hype of an amateur team on a Cinderella run could prove to be a unique challenge for Glass, Emerson Hyndman and the other veteran leadership for Memphis. If they can concentrate on the parts of the game that they can control and impose their will early to stifle an upstart squad, Memphis could avoid the fate of being another Cupset victim.
Chattanooga Red Wolves (USL1) vs Birmingham Legion (USLC), April 17, 8:00 pm, Protective Stadium; Birmingham, AL
The Chattanooga Red Wolves advance following a 1-0 nail-biter against Atlanta-based Apotheos FC. Former Atlanta United Academy and Wake Forest #10 Omar Hernandez has found a new home at right-back for the Red Wolves and will face a consistently tough Birmingham team. The last time these two teams met in a 2021 friendly, Birmingham decisively won with a final score of 4-1. This time, Birmingham will be coming off of a very short rest after playing away at North Carolina FC on April 14th. Depending upon which competition they prefer to prioritize, this could be either a heavily rotated squad or an exhausted one. This could be a golden opportunity for Chattanooga’s Ropapa Mensah to add to his 2 goals so far in this year’s Cup.
Greenville Triumph (USL1) vs Louisville City FC (USLC), April 16th, 7:00 pm, Lynn Family Stadium; Louisville, KY
Greenville Triumph triumphed over One Knoxville in an extra time second round battle of the Southern Appalachian adversaries. Their next opponent, Louisville City, is one of the toughest teams in the USL Championship, currently leading the Eastern Conference after winning each of their first 3 matches. Greenville have looked nearly as good in league play so far and have to be feeling good after knocking of their rivals and the current League 1 leaders. Expect Louisville’s Brian Ownby to make his presence felt and for rising midfield talent Elijah Wynder to play a significant role in controlling the center of the pitch.
Carolina Core (MLSNP) vs North Carolina FC (USLC), April 17, 7:00 pm, WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, NC
Vermont Green FC were riding the hot hand ahead of their frigidly cold second round fixture against Carolina Core in Burlington, Vermont. Carolina Core proved they could play in the cold, too, earning the opportunity for a rematch against North Carolina FC. North Carolina is a tough and disciplined defensive side featuring former Atlanta United Homegrown defender Bryce Washington. After winning USL League 1 last season, they promoted themselves to the USL Championship and have not looked out of place so far. Carolina Core have had a bit harder of a time in their first MLS NEXT Pro season but have looked strong in Cup play. With regional bragging rights on the line, this could be a great test for both teams.
Charlotte Independence (USL1) vs Rhode Island FC (USLC), April 16, 7:00 pm, American Legion Memorial Stadium; Charlotte, NC
Michael Parkhurst’s Rhode Island FC will begin their first-ever US Open Cup journey against Charlotte Independence. While their first season may be off to a slow start, this team is bristling with experience and talent and could surprise everyone once things start to gel. Atlanta United 2 fans may recognize one of the players on their bench, veteran midfielder Kofi Twumasi, who is still working his way into his new club. Charlotte Independence also features a former Atlanta United 2 player, 16-year-old Nathan Gray, a compelling central midfield prospect who could have a faster on-ramp to regular professional minutes with the Independence in League 1 than with Atlanta United.
Let us know which Third Round match you’ll be tuning into, either in person or through live stream, and give us all your reactions in the comments below!