NASL Teams Face In-State Rivals in U.S. Open Cup

Published on May 15, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL) News Release


MIAMI, Fla. (May 15, 2013) - Three cross-state rivalries will highlight the Second Round games of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup when the six US-based North American Soccer League teams enter the historic competition next Tuesday, May 21.

Five of the six NASL teams gunning for cup glory learned their opponents for next week when the majority of First Round games were played across the United States.

Current NASL league leaders the Carolina RailHawks will face Carolina Dynamo at WakeMed Soccer Park after the PDL side won a dramatic penalty shootout 4-1 following a thrilling 4-4 draw with Chattanooga FC. Dynamo equalized deep into injury time in the 117th minute to force penalty kicks.

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"We're in it to win it and bring it back here," said RailHawks President Curt Johnson, who won the Cup in 2004 as General manager of the Kansas City Wizards. "It is a fantastic competition and it really does mean something special and it's an important tournament that you want to win.

"I think it's the unpredictability and the unique match ups that appeal to fans. These things are huge for the tournament. It's unique in that it's a single game elimination tournament and the pressure is there in all the games."

The Tampa Bay Rowdies will travel the short distance to Plant City Stadium on Tuesday to face VSI Tampa Bay after the USL Pro side also won on penalty kicks, 5-3 over Orlando City U23s. VSI and Orlando were locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra time.

Also hitting the road in-State are the Atlanta Silverbacks. Brian Haynes will take his team to face the NPSL side Georgia Revolution, 4-3 winners over Real Colorado Foxes, who almost forced extra time after the Revolution had stormed to a 4-0 lead.

"What happens with these games is that the lower-ranked teams play like its their biggest game, almost their own personal World Cup, so they come out and give everything they have," warned Haynes. "We can't sleep for one second on these teams because they can get a chance and that might be all they need."

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers will welcome Laredo Heat of the PDL to Lockhart Stadium on Tuesday after the Texas team beat PSA Elite of the USASA 2-0 in the first round. The San Antonio Scorpions will also enjoy a home game, facing FC Tucson after the PDL team upset Phoenix FC of USL Pro 2-1.

Minnesota United FC must await the outcome of tonight's clash between Des Moines Menace of the PDL and NPSL side Madison 56ers before finalizing their home plans for the second round.

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Second Round Games Featuring NASL teams

Carolina Dynamo (PDL) 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

FC Tucson (PDL) 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

Laredo Heat (PDL) at Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)

Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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

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

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North American Soccer League Stories from May 15, 2013


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