MEDIA ALERT:

WHAT:  

All nine National Independent Soccer Associations clubs saw action last week the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The league saw mixed results with each match going to the more senior club.

WHERE:    

City Union 3-1 Manhattan SC
Detroit City FC 1-0 Gold Star FC Detroit
Charleston Battery 4-1 Savannah Clovers FC
San Antonio FC 2-1 Club de Lyon FC
Maryland Bobcats FC 3-2 Ocean City Nor’easters
Des Moines Menace 1-4 Chattanooga FC
Indy Eleven 3-1 Michigan Stars FC
Las Vegas Lights FC 4-0 LA Force
San Diego Loyal SC 2-0 ALBION San Diego

QUOTES:  

Chattanooga FC Manager Rod Underwood: “Going into game we knew it would be difficult with the history of Des Moines. We had to work hard and play our style at a good level to be successful in the match. That happened for us, and we feel good about how we accomplished the result.”

City Union Manager Jordan Sullivan: "I am delighted with the performance with the team on Tuesday night. It shows a real testament of their character as the boys were eager to bounce back after Saturday's game. Although we have been together briefly the team is gelling and playing a good brand of football. Manhattan SC were a class act, and we wish them all the best. We are excited to face Loudon in the third round."

Gold Star FC Detroit Manager Alex Lubyansky: "We have grand ambitions to be the first non-MLS side to win the US Open Cup in the 21st century. While we are disappointed with our 1-0 loss to Detroit City FC, we will continue to work tirelessly to reach our goal. We look forward to the 2024 tournament."

Maryland Bobcats FC Head Coach Madele Alexandre “Alex” Kao: "Cup games are always special regardless of the opposition. Knowing the past of the club in cup games, we really wanted to come out and make history for the club by qualifying for the 3rd round. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, especially with a league game 3 days prior, but our guys’ resilience allowed us to keep fighting even after going down a goal and not playing at our best. And of course scoring in the last second of overtime makes the whole cup experience as special as it can get. I am proud of our guys for showing character in the face of adversity. I am very excited about what the outcome of this win can bring to the team for the upcoming games and the rest of the year."

ALBION San Diego Manager Diego Gomez: “The game vs Loyal was an opportunity to see the team in a very competitive game. We are looking forward to build up from the game and putting on a good display in our first NISA game.”

NEXT:    

The Third Round will consist of 24 matches played across the country April 25-26 and features teams from every division of professional and amateur soccer in the United States. The NISA matches are:

• Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USLC) vs. Maryland Bobcats FC April 25 at 7 p.m. ET at Highmark Stadium; Pittsburgh

• Loudoun United FC (USLC) vs. Flower City Union April 26 at 7 p.m. ET at Segra Field; Leesburg, Va.

• Birmingham Legion FC (USLC) vs. Chattanooga FC April 26 at 8 p.m. ET at Protective Stadium; Birmingham, Ala.