The US Open Cup is underway and here come the NASL teams. All 9 US clubs will be taking part in the third round (sorry Canada) Let’s see who can get the most picks and earn the most bragging rights! Comment your 9 picks below, and then the tiebreaker for funsies.
7 PM ET– Tampa Bay Rowdies @ Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL)
One team sits second in their standings while the other is barely in the playoffs currently. The Riverhounds looked strong in their last match in Open Cup play, winning with a convincing 3-0 scoreline. Tampa Bay sits tied for second in the higher league. Tampa Bay has also looked strong their last 5, with a 2-1-2 record.
With their recent form, I’ll have to pick the Rowdies
7:00 PM ET– Silverbacks @ Chattanooga (NPSL)
Atlanta is now falling into the form that I expected, but Chattanooga got away with the W after playing an awful Wilmington team in the second round. Atlanta sits mid table in the NASL, starting strong, their last 5 matches have produced a 0-2-3 record. As much as I love to see upsets, with flashes I have seen from them this season, I’m taking the Silverbacks
7:00 PM ET– Jacksonville @ Richmond (USL)
The Armada have proven they can score goals, but haven’t been tested much outside of Florida yet. It’s the first year in the Open Cup for Jacksonville and Richmond has played well at home this season. They have a 4-1-4 record in league play this year, and are 2-1-2 at home. Jacksonville has offensive power, but only finds themselves with a +1 GD in their young NASL season. Finally an upset. Richmond
7:30 PM ET– Jersey Express (PDL) @ Cosmos
Any explanation needed? I think this one is going to be the biggest blowout this week. It depends how much New York really cares. We could see a bunch of reserve team players from the Cosmos. According to Luis with the Cosmos Country Podcast, New York might sit a bunch of starters. Including Raul and Restrepo, but don’t worry, he says “Our subs are pretty strong. Will probably see Flores and Guenzatti come out to play, too, so they may bench Fernandes too.” So, with all that said, This one is simple. Cosmos
7:30 PM ET Louisville City (USL) @ Indy Eleven
As much as I love Indy Eleven, I just… I can’t. I’ll cheer for you, but I can’t pick you. The team feels dysfunctional. There is plenty of talent, and plenty of promise, but the coaching staff can’t get anything to work. Tactically, the back 4 has been great, but has been screwed over by the midfield. The offense hasn’t gotten anything going, but again, tactics. Indy loves the long ball, and that just hasn’t worked. I love Indy, but I have to pick Louisville City
7:30 PM ET– Strikers @ Charleston (USL)
Leo Moura, PC and gang have looked strong at times, and can score key goals. Charleston has looked strong this season and sit second in the USL by just 3 points. They also have a +6 GD so far. That being said, the strikers love to score, or… they did. There were times they looked very promising this season. Their -1 GD isn’t good enough. Another lower division victory. Charleston
7:30 PM ET– Charlotte (USL) @ Carolina
I thought this might be a close one, then I remembered that the NASL teams that border the Atlantic dominate. Yes, I’m geographically aware of where Charlotte is, but still. Charlotte sits too far down in the USL table for me to see them coming away with the victory. Especially in Cary, where the Railhawks seem to play pretty good from time to time. Carolina
8ET/7 PM CT– Minnesota @ Saint Louis (USL)
Saint Louis has looked pretty okay in their debut season, but Minnesota is finally getting into the swing of things. Their recent form has moved them all the way up to second in the NASL table, sitting well behind the Cosmos, who remain the only unbeaten NASL team this year. One loss isn’t too shabby. Ramirez and Ibarra are gonna do big things here. Gotta pick Minnesota
9 ET/8 PM CT– Aztex (USL) @ San Antonio
San Antonio isn’t last??? The way they’ve played at times this season, that is a little astounding to me. They’ve got the worst GD in the NASL by a few goals, and just haven’t impressed. Also, these teams met 2ish months ago and Austin dominated. Yes it was preseason, but it wasn’t even close being 4-1. Sorry to our staffer and Scorps fan John, but San Antonio just hasn’t felt like defending NASL champions this year. gotta go Aztex.
Tiebreaker: Number of games to go to Extra Time: 2