Ayoze [Photo: Steve Hamlin/TICC]
No more speculation, the Cosmos and their fellow NASL clubs know the opponents they will face as the two second-division leagues drop into Open Cup action next week.
At time of writing, all NASL sides will be the away sides with the exceptions of Miami FC (hosting rights uncertain) and San Francisco Deltas, who will host their match, but at Stanford University.
US Soccer announced the First Round matchups of the 2017 US Open Cup yesterday, the 104th edition of the tournament. While the opening round will take place on May 9th and 10th, the absence of a third division this year means the NASL and USL will both drop in on May 16th and 17th.
Another round would follow prior to any potential match-up with an MLS side.
We Want The Cup 5 Points Tifo [Photo: Eytan Calderon/TICC]
Clarkstown were the NPSL Northeastern Division champions in 2016. They would lose to eventual league champion AFC Cleveland in the semi-finals, 3-2. The Eagles will begin their 2017 campaign on May 13. Forward Ryan Morris was invited to play in the 2017 NPSL Showcase and defender Chris Riordan made the 2016 NPSL Best XI First Team last season.
Reading reached the 2016 PDL Conference Finals after finishing at the top of their division with a 10-1-3 record. Midfielder Paul Marie made the Eastern Conference All-Conference team. Their 2017 season also begins May 13, and forward Hugo Delhommelle and defender Robert Sagul both were listed on the 2016 PDL Top Prospects List.
The Cosmos will be the clear favorite regardless of who wins the first round matchup. Having the Cosmos stay home and play on Rocco’s field would definitely be the preferred outcome. The potential third round pairings will be announced before the second round games are played, where the Cosmos are likely to be paired against a USL side for the first time in the club’s cup history.
We Want The Cup 5 Points Tifo [Photo: Eytan Calderon/TICC]
The 5 Points 2016 Open Cup tifo [Photo: Eytan Calderon/TICC]
Alexis Velela, Sebastian Guenzatti, and Danny Szetela after defeating NYCFC in 2016 [Photo by Steve Hamlin/TICC]
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