After a two-year hiatus, one of the longest running cup competitions, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, is back! The first day of Round One is in the books, and what a return it was. If you missed my prediction piece about those games, I got 3 of 6 predications correct. While that’s not a great record, I did correctly predict a huge upset with Oyster Bay United FC’s shutout win over Hartford City SC. Anyway, let’s go through the second day of First Round matchups and predictions.

Ocean City Nor’easters (USL League Two) vs Lansdowne Yonkers FC (Amateur)

Ocean City was not able to sign any college players before the U.S. Open Cup and, as a result, have had to rely upon alumni connections to fill their roster. The only player returning from 2021 roster is Kyle Galloway, but he will be joined by former players and professionals, such as Keasel Broome, Fredlin Mompremier, and Jason Plumhoff. I am not sure how a mix-and-match group like this will fair against a more cohesive group like Landsdowne Yonkers FC. Yonkers are the reigning USASA Amateur Champions and, led by head coach Sean Kelly, know each other well. Not to mention, Yonkers have former New England Revolution midfielder Andrew Sousa on the roster.

The familiarity within this Yonkers group should lead to success on the field – despite their amateur status, I think they get the win in this one.

Lynchburg FC (UPSL) vs NoVa FC (USL League Two)

This is an interesting matchup and could be one of the better games of the first round. An impressive Lynchburg FC squad make their U.S. Open Cup debut, following a 10-win UPSL season in 2021. Be on the lookout for their forward, Tudor Barna, who seems to have been scoring a ton lately. NoVa FC have been performing consistently in USL League Two and finished third in the Mid-Atlantic Division in 2021. Though NoVa FC missed the playoffs las year, they averaged close to two points per game last season.

I think the competition in USL League Two is better than UPSL and I think it will show on the field – Nova FC should win this one.

South Carolina United FC (USL League Two) vs NC Fusion U23 (USL League Two)

These two USL League Two teams faced off in the 2021 playoffs, and the result was a close game and an NC Fusion U23 win in extra time. NC Fusion U23 went on to lose in the National Final to the Des Moines Menace, but they have a strong team and solid coaching. Unfortunately, South Carolina United FC lost some of their talent heading into the 2022 season; more specifically, they lost USL League Two Defensive Player of the Year, Toby Sims.

When you add in the North Carolina vs. South Carolina angle, this could be a budding rivalry. However, I think NC Fusion U23 win again.

Western Mass Pioneers (USL League Two) vs Brockton FC United (UPSL)

Though this might seem like an easy matchup, nothing in the U.S. Open Cup is a given. Western Mass are a well-known and strong lower division club in the U.S. In 2021, the Pioneers made it to the USL League Two National Semifinals, losing to the previously mentioned NC Fusion U23s. Western Mass’ manager is experienced and has actually played in the U.S. Open Cup tournament before. Brockton FC is another one of those UPSL clubs that were strong in 2021. Brockton finished first in the New England Conference and had an impressive +28 goal differential – needless to say, they can score!

This one was hard to pick, but I ultimately think that Western Mass’ experience will power them to a win over the newcomers.

Miami United FC (NPSL) vs City Soccer FC (UPSL)

Miami United is another lower division club that is somewhat of a known commodity in U.S. soccer. However, I’m a little concerned about Miami, after a rough ending to their 2021 campaign. The Miami area has a ton of talent and Miami United are known for finding local talent for their roster. City Soccer FC, on the other hand, is a club that struggled in UPSL last season for stretches, but did manage to finish third in the UPSL Florida South Conference.

A weaker UPSL side versus a club that has played at the U.S. Open Cup level before? Easy answer – Miami United get the win.

Des Moines Menace (USL League Two) vs Minneapolis City SC (NPSL)

The best matchup of the 2022 U.S. Open Cup First Round is here! The USL League Two Champions are facing one of the best lower division teams in U.S. Soccer. Des Moines are averaging over two goals per game in their las 20 matches and will look to build on their 2021 championship season. On the other side, Minneapolis City is not only a great brand - they also made it to the NPSL West Region Final, where they lost to Cleveland SC. These are two very strong teams in their respective leagues facing off, so all eyes should be on this matchup tonight.

I expect this to be a very close game, but I think Des Moines will squeak out a win in this one.

Tulsa Athletic (NPSL) vs Azteca FC (Amateur)

Tulsa had an excellent 2021 NPSL season - though they ultimately lost to the Denton Diablos in the NPSL National Final, they finished the 2021 season with a +23 goal differential. Tulsa have also retained a lot of their 2021 roster, which have won a lot of games together. Tulsa will be facing an amateur side that has to travel all the way from California for this matchup. Azteca FC are not a flashy team – they feature a mix of former NCAA talent and former professionals from Mexican, Honduran, and Chilean lower divisions. This could mean that Azteca FC will have some sneaky talent on the field in this one.

Although Azteca may have some hidden talent, Azteca’s long-distance travel combined with the talent and cohesion of Tulsa Athletic should be enough to see Tulsa through.

San Fernando Valley FC (UPSL) vs Escondido FC (UPSL)

Two UPSL clubs are facing off in this one, albeit with different backgrounds. San Fernando Valley started off in UPSL’s Division 1 but, after an amazing run, were promoted to UPSL’s Premier Division. San Fernando is hot right now and will look to continue their magical run into the U.S. Open Cup. However, San Fernando will face a UPSL team that has been playing at the Premier Division level for some time. Escondido finished 2nd in the SoCal South Conference and have been successful in the Premier Division. The question is, can San Fernando keep up with the new competition?

Although San Fernando have had some success, I don’t think it’s enough to overcome the experience of Escondido – I think Escondido get the win here.

Portland Timbers U23 (USL League Two) vs Contra Costa FC (NPSL)

The Portland Timbers U23 side has always been strong competitor in USL League Two, and 2021 was no different. Portland were able to make it to the USL League Two National Semifinals, where they lost to the eventual champions, Des Moines Menace. Portland features a young group that has been competitive year in and year out, due to known talent on the roster and the MLS / academy pipeline. Portland will be facing a NPSL side that only played 8 games in 2021 due to COVID issues. Contra Costa FC didn’t have much success, either – they lost 5 of the 8 games they managed to play.

I think this should be an easy one for the Portland Timbers U23 – Portland advance.

Las Vegas Legends FC (NPSL) vs Park City Red Wolves SC (USL League Two)

The final U.S. Open Cup First Round matchup features another potentially interesting game in the west. The Park City Red Wolves are the reserve team for USL League One’s Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Park City will have to travel to Las Vegas, where Legends FC have had major success in 2021. Las Vegas finished first in the Southwestern Conference with a +10 goal differential. Though Las Vegas went on to lose in the Regional Semifinals, they still had an a strong season.

I don’t think a USL League One reserve squad will have what it takes to face a NPSL Regional Semifinalist. Las Vegas should get the win in this one.

Mar 23 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup: First Round Preview (Day 2)