Scorpions to Host Either FC Tucson Or Phoenix FC in US Open Cup on May 21st

Published on May 7, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
San Antonio Scorpions News Release


The San Antonio Scorpions will play either FC Tucson (PDL) or Phoenix FC (USL Pro) in the US Open Cup on May 21st at beautiful new Toyota Field, the NASL announced on Tuesday.

The NASL teams will kick off in the Second Round on Tuesday, May 21, having been paired with clubs who contest their First Round games on May 14 and 15.

"I love this competition," said NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson. "Everyone starts off with a fair chance to win the Cup and you never can predict who might get through to the final. With this being the Centennial Anniversary of the competition, it would be an exceptional honor to have a NASL club win. Our clubs are excited and will give it their all to capture the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup."

Some NASL clubs know they will face one of two opponents, while the Scorpions must wait on a combination of results before learning their fate.

Current league leaders Minnesota United FC are one of three NASL clubs guaranteed a home draw and will host either Des Moines Menace (PDL) or Madison 56ers (NPSL). Second placed Carolina RailHawks entertain either Carolina Dynamo (PDL) or Chattanooga FC (NPSL).

The defending champion Tampa Bay Rowdies will travel either the short distance to face VSI Tampa Bay (USL PRO) or Orlando City U23s (PDL).

"We are excited to enter into this historic competition again," said Scorpions coach Tim Hankinson. "The U.S. Open Cup remains a major priority for our club, as it represents a championship on the national level. We treat every opponent the same in terms of preparation, so we will train hard to be ready for our match on the 21st."

Making their U.S. Open Cup bow in 2012, the NASL teams kept alive the traditional romance of a cup competition, as Carolina, Minnesota and San Antonio all progressed to the fourth round, claiming the scalps of MLS opposition along the way.

The Scorpions beat Houston Dynamo, but the club fell at the next hurdle to fellow giant-killer the Charlotte Eagles. Minnesota United went on the road and shocked Real Salt Lake 3-1 at Rio Tinto Stadium before losing in the fourth round to San Jose Earthquakes, earlier 2-1 winners over the NASL Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Carolina RailHawks earned a fourth round clash with Chivas USA by ousting LA's other team, the defending MLS champion Galaxy and striker Brian Shriver finished as the competition's leading scorer with five goals in three games.

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round draw featuring NASL teams

Des Moines Menace (PDL)/Madison 56ers (NPSL) winner at Minnesota United FC (NASL)

National Sports Center; Blaine, Minn.

Tuesday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. CT

Carolina Dynamo (PDL)/Chattanooga FC (NPSL) winner at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)

WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.

Tuesday, May 21, at 7 p.m. ET

Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) at VSI Tampa Bay (USL PRO)

Plant City Stadium; Plant City, Fla.

Tuesday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. ET

OR

Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) at Orlando City U23s (PDL)

Seminole Soccer Complex; Sanford, Fla.

Tuesday, May 21, at 7 p.m. ET

FC Tucson (PDL)/Phoenix FC (USL PRO) winner at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)

Toyota Field; San Antonio, Texas

Tuesday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. CT

Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Georgia Revolution (NPSL)

RYSA Soccerplex; Conyers, Ga.

Tuesday, May 21, at 7 p.m. ET

OR

Real Colorado Foxes (PDL) vs. Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL)

TBD

OR

Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at PSA Elite (USASA)

Irvine Stadium; Irvine, Calif.

Tuesday, May 21, at 7 p.m. PT

OR

Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Laredo Heat (PDL)

Texas A&M International Soccer Complex; Laredo, Texas

Tuesday, May 21, at 8:15 p.m. CT

Laredo Heat (PDL)/PSA Elite (USASA) winner at Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)

Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Tuesday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. ET

OR

Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) at Sounders FC U-23 (PDL)

Sunset Chevrolet Stadium; Sumner, Wash.

Tuesday, May 21, at 7 p.m. PT

OR

Doxa Italia (USASA) at Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)

Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Tuesday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. ET

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North American Soccer League Stories from May 7, 2013


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