USSF D-2 Minnesota United FC

Stars Begin US Open Cup Campaign Against KC Athletics

Published on June 14, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Minnesota United FC News Release


BLAINE, Minn. (June 14, 2010) - The NSC Minnesota Stars kick off their 2010 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup campaign Tuesday night at 7 at NSC Stadium with a home match against amateur side Kansas City Athletics. The Athletics qualified from Region II of the United States Adult Soccer Association with a shootout victory over Illinois' AAC Eagles.

Played every year since 1914, the US Open Cup is the oldest cup competition in American soccer. The tournament is open to all teams affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation, from amateur clubs through Major League Soccer.

The KC Athletics are one of eight amateur teams who qualified for the tournament. Despite dressing only 11 players for a home game in their final qualifying match, they stopped the AAC Eagles in a shootout to qualify for the Open Cup for the first time. Despite their amateur status, the Athletics feature several players with professional experience, including two with Minnesota connections.

Defender Brian Roberts is a former Kansas City Wizards defender who played for 16 games on loan with the Minnesota Thunder in 2004 before rejoining the Major League Soccer club. Mike Robards was a trialist for the Thunder in 2002 but never signed with the team. Two other members of the Athletics roster, goalkeeper Boris Pardo and defender Ryan Raybould, have experience with the Wizards, but neither is eligible for the Open Cup.

The Open Cup's prize money will motivate players from either club. At stake is $180,000, which is split up as follows: $100,000 to the winner, $50,000 to the runner-up and $10,000 each for the furthest-advancing teams from the second, third and fourth divisions.

In the last five US Open Cup competitions, amateur sides have posted a 12-40 record. Only Dallas Roma has advanced beyond the second round. The Texas club reached the fourth round of the 2006 Open Cup, becoming the first amateur team to defeat an MLS side.

For the Stars, Tuesday night's game begins a run of four games in six days. The Stars play the Portland Timbers in Portland on Thursday and in Blaine Saturday night. Sunday evening, the Stars face MLS's Chicago Fire in an exhibition match at NSC Stadium.

"Four quick games like this is a challenge, but we're eager for it," Stars head coach Manny Lagos said. "We have a lot of depth and a lot of guys ready to come in and make a contribution."

Audio only of Tuesday's match against the KC Athletics will be broadcast online at www.teamline.cc. For tickets, contact the Stars' ticket office at 763.792.7355, or visit nscminnesota.org/tickets.

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